Moltke, Helmuth von (1848–1916)
Helmuth von Moltke (1848–1916), often referred to as Moltke the Younger, was a prominent German military figure who served as Chief of the German General Staff from 1906 until the early years of World War I in 1914. He was the nephew of the renowned military strategist Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke the Elder. Moltke the Younger experienced a swift rise through military ranks, taking on significant roles such as adjutant to his uncle and later as quartermaster general. During his tenure as chief of staff, he modified the Schlieffen Plan, adjusting the strategy to strengthen the left flank to protect Alsace-Lorraine. However, during the critical Battle of the Marne in 1914, he faced challenges in commanding effectively and ultimately delegated key decisions to subordinates. As the situation deteriorated for German forces, Kaiser Wilhelm II replaced him with General Erich von Falkenhayn. Moltke's legacy remains a topic of discussion in military history, particularly regarding his strategies and the outcomes of early World War I campaigns.
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Moltke, Helmuth von (1848–1916)
- Born: May 25, 1848
- Birthplace: Gersdorff, Mecklenburg (later in Germany)
- Died: June 18, 1916
- Place of death: Berlin, Germany
Full name: Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke
Principal war:World War I
Principal battle: Marne (1914)
Military significance: The failure of the German offensive on the western front was to a considerable extent caused by Moltke’s modifications of the Schlieffen Plan.
The military career of Colonel General Helmuth von Moltke was marked by unusually rapid advancement. By 1882, he served as adjutant to his uncle, the chief of the general staff, Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke. In 1903, the younger Moltke advanced to the position of quartermaster general and, in 1906, succeeded General Alfred von Schlieffen as chief of the general staff, a position he accepted with considerable reluctance.
Moltke’s revisions of the Schlieffen Plan involved a weakening of the German right wing of attack and a strengthening of the left wing, which was designed to protect Alsace-Lorraine. When the Germans unexpectedly found themselves on the defensive in the Battle of the Marne in 1914, Moltke was unable to act decisively and left crucial decisions to a subordinate. In view of the worsening strategic situation, William II decided to replace Moltke with General Erich von Falkenhayn.
Bibliography
Asprey, Robert B. The First Battle of the Marne. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1962.
Barnett, Correlli. “The Tragic Delusion.” In The Sword Bearers. London: Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1963.
Friedrich, Otto. “The Nervous Nephew.” In Blood and Iron, From Bismarck to Hitler: The von Moltke Family’s Impact on German History. New York: HarperCollins, 1995.
Goerlitz, Walter. “War Without Generals.” In History of the German General Staff, 1657–1945. New York: Praeger, 1953.