The 20th century was a period of significant advancement in physics, and German physicists played a crucial role in many developments. Here are some key figures and their contributions: 1. **Max Planck (1858-1947)**: Often considered the father of quantum theory, Planck introduced the concept of quantization of energy. His work on black-body radiation led to Planck's constant and fundamentally changed our understanding of atomic and subatomic processes.