Why was Helmuth von Moltke important?
He built up the new system of the Prussian General Staff, which later became the model for all armies organized on modern lines. Some of Moltke’s theories and methods were tested in practice by the Prussian forces in the short German–Danish War over Schleswig-Holstein in 1864.
What was General Alfred von Schlieffen’s plan?
Hence, Schlieffen proposed to hold the southern portion of the Western Front with relatively few men, while concentrating a vast force in the north, which would sweep through Belgium and northern France, enveloping the French armies and eventually crushing them against Germany’s southern wing.
Why was Moltke replaced?
The 66-year-old suffered a mental breakdown, and six weeks after the outbreak of war, Germany lost its top commander. Against his wishes, Moltke was replaced by the Minister of War, Erich von Falkenhayn. Officially, he was relieved due to complications with his liver and gall bladder.
What happened to von Moltke?
Moltke was sentenced to death on 11 January 1945 and hanged twelve days later at Plötzensee Prison in Berlin.
How did Moltke attempt to concentrate on the battlefield?
By a combination of the study of general principles, military history and logical planning, coupled with an organized command structure that allowed field commanders to act on their own initiative within the set directives, Moltke sought to lift the restraints that stifled the fighting spirit and allow for more …
How did Helmuth von Moltke change the Schlieffen Plan?
When Helmuth von Moltke replaced Alfred von Schlieffen as German Army Chief of Staff in 1906, he modified the plan by proposing that Holland was not invaded. Moltke suggested that 34 divisions should invade Belgium whereas 8 divisions would be enough to stop Russia advancing in the east.
What did the von Schlieffen Plan want to accomplish with France?
Schlieffen wished to emulate Hannibal by provoking an Entscheidungsschlacht (“decisive battle”), using a massive force, in a single act, to bring a swift and conclusive victory. He decided that France was the enemy to be defeated first, with Russia held off until the French were annihilated.
Why did Helmuth von Moltke divert his troops?
Marne campaign According to the historian John Keegan however, the Kaiser believed that Britain would remain neutral if Germany did not attack France. Whichever is true, the Kaiser, seeing that a two-front war could be avoided, told Moltke to divert forces from the western to the eastern front against Russia.
What did Count Helmuth von Moltke do in ww1?
Colonel General Helmuth von Moltke (the Younger), the Chief of the General Staff of the army in Berlin from 1906 to 1914 and the Chief of the General Staff of the Field Army at the outbreak of the First World War, was one of the top generals of the German Empire.
How was Moltke executed?
In January 1945, Helmuth von Moltke was tried, convicted, and executed by a Gestapo “People’s Court” for treason, having discussed with the Kreisau Circle group the prospects for a Germany based on moral and democratic principles that could develop after Hitler.
What did Wilhelm von Moltke do?
He was fascinated with railways and pioneered their military usage. He is often referred to as Moltke the Elder to distinguish him from his nephew Helmuth Johann Ludwig von Moltke, who commanded the German Army at the outbreak of World War I .
Who was Moltke the elder?
Moltke was the grandnephew of Helmuth von Moltke the Younger and the great-grandnephew of Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, the victorious commander in the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars, from whom he inherited the Kreisau estate in Prussian Silesia, now Krzyżowa in Poland.
What happened to Prince Moltke?
Moltke’s mood became more and more despairing during this time, and he finally abdicated responsibility completely. On Sept. 14, 1914, Emperor William II replaced Moltke as chief of staff, though he retained nominal command until the end of the year.
What was General Moltke’s position on the General Staff?
In 1857 Moltke was given the position Chief of the Prussian General Staff, a position he held for the next 30 years (though after the establishment of the German Empire, the Prussian General Staff’s title was changed to “Great General Staff”, as it would have overall direction of the various German armies during war ).