The Fascinating History Of The German General Staff: A Closer Look at its Influence and Impact (1657-1945)

When discussing the history of military strategy and organization, one cannot ignore the significance and influence of the German General Staff. Spanning over three centuries, from 1657 to 1945, the German General Staff held a prominent position within the German military establishment. In this illustrated edition article, we explore the origins, evolution, and contributions of this influential institution throughout history.

The Rise of the German General Staff

The roots of the German General Staff can be traced back to the 17th century. In 1657, during the reign of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, the first General War Commissariat was established. This marked the earliest beginnings of what would eventually become the German General Staff.

Over the years, this initial bureaucratic agency evolved into a more systematic and organized institution. By the mid-19th century, the Prussian military recognized the need for a dedicated staff that could assist in planning and coordinating military operations. This led to the formal creation of the General Staff in 1814, under the leadership of General Gerhard von Scharnhorst.

History Of The German General Staff 1657-1945 [Illustrated Edition]

by Thomas Paine(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	46875 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1037 pages

FREE

The General Staff's Impact on Military Strategy

The establishment of the German General Staff revolutionized military strategy and planning. The staff members, known as General Staff Officers, were meticulously trained in military theory and history, enabling them to effectively analyze and strategize during times of war.

One of the most notable figures associated with the General Staff was Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, who served as chief of staff for the Prussian Army. Von Moltke's comprehensive military reforms and strategic genius played a crucial role in enabling Prussia's victories in the wars of German unification, most notably the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

Under von Moltke's leadership, the General Staff developed the concept of the "Kesselschlacht" or "cauldron battle," a strategy involving the encirclement and destruction of enemy forces. This innovative approach to warfare resulted in significant German victories and influenced military tactics around the world.

The General Staff's Role in World War I and Its Consequences

The outbreak of World War I brought the German General Staff to the forefront of international attention. Led by Chief of Staff Helmuth von Moltke the Younger, the staff played a critical role in coordinating and executing Germany's military operations during the early stages of the war.

However, the German General Staff's influence during World War I was not without controversy. Scholars and military experts have criticized their strategies and decision-making, particularly regarding the implementation of unrestricted submarine warfare and the failure to adapt to trench warfare. These criticisms have sparked debates and discussions about the General Staff's role and its impact on the outcome of the war.

Disbandment and Legacy

Following Germany's defeat in World War II, the General Staff was officially disbanded in 1945 as part of the Allied disarming and demilitarization efforts. The complex political and social changes in post-war Germany made it difficult for the General Staff to formally re-establish itself.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the German General Staff lives on. Its influence on military strategy and organization has left an indelible mark on the history of warfare. The General Staff's emphasis on meticulous planning, comprehensive analysis, and strategic thinking continues to shape modern military practices across the globe.

An Illustrated Journey Through History

Accompanying this article is an illustrated edition that brings the history of the German General Staff to life. Through carefully curated images, maps, and diagrams, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the General Staff's activities, challenges, and triumphs throughout its existence.

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the significant role that the German General Staff played in shaping military strategy and its enduring impact on the world.

The German General Staff holds a vital position in the annals of military history. Its evolution from a small bureaucratic agency to an influential institution marked a significant turning point in military strategy and organization. Despite its dissolution following World War II, the General Staff's legacy continues to shape military practices around the world.

Through the comprehensive analysis of military tactics and history, the General Staff officers contributed to Germany's victories and influenced the development of warfare strategies. The rise and fall of the German General Staff accurately reflect the complexities of military planning and its impact on the outcomes of conflicts.

As we delve into the illustrated edition of the history of the German General Staff from 1657 to 1945, we gain a renewed appreciation for the strategists, leaders, and soldiers who shaped its legacy. Join us as we uncover the fascinating world of the General Staff - a journey that is sure to captivate military enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

History Of The German General Staff 1657-1945 [Illustrated Edition]

by Thomas Paine(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	46875 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1037 pages

FREE

Includes more than twenty portraits and the World War Two On The Eastern Front (1941-1945) Illustration Pack – 198 photos/illustrations and 46 maps.

The HISTORY OF THE GERMAN GENERAL STAFF is the first comprehensive history of the Prussian and later German General Staff from its earliest beginnings in the Thirty Years’ War to the German unconditional surrender in 1945. With the dawn of the industrial age, war was taken out of the hands of monarchs and aristocrats. During the first decades of its existence the German General Staff was led by idealists with constructive political conceptions and ethical and Christian mentality. The emergence of the anonymous technicians, whose political convictions were either non-existent or formed by military necessity or ambitions, only served to aggravate an expansionist, adventurous, and militaristic national temperament.

Hitler’s decision to force his country into a war which could not end well and his deep hostility toward the General Staff created the greatest tragedy in its history when most of its members were continually torn by the struggle between human, ethical, and patriotic responsibilities on the one hand and by military obedience as exemplified in their military oath on the other. The continual conflict ended in the attempt on Hitler’s life and also in the complete destruction of the German General Staff by Hitler himself...There were aloof and cold technicians, warm-hearted, emotional men with European conceptions, fanatical Nazis, gullible dupes, drill-sergeant types, and true idealistic aristocrats like Stauffenberg.

The...HISTORY OF THE GERMAN GENERAL STAFF, which is based on tremendous research in German and foreign sources and on many interviews with German generals and staff officers who survived World War II, is considered the standard work in the field.