Helmuth von Moltke the Younger
Helmuth Johannes Ludwig Graf von Moltke (German: [ˈhɛlmuːt fɔn ˈmɔltkə]; 25 May 1848 – 18 June 1916), also known as Moltke the Younger, was a German general and Chief of the Great German General Staff, a member of the House of Moltke. He was also the nephew of Generalfeldmarschall Graf Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke, who is commonly called "Moltke the Elder" to differentiate the two.
Helmuth von Moltke the Younger | |
|---|---|
Moltke in 1906 | |
| Chief of the German Great General Staff | |
| In office 1 January 1906 – 14 September 1914 | |
| Monarch | Wilhelm II |
| Chancellor |
|
| Preceded by | Alfred von Schlieffen |
| Succeeded by | Erich von Falkenhayn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke 25 May 1848 Biendorf, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, German Confederation |
| Died | 18 June 1916 (aged 68) Berlin, Province of Brandenburg, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire |
| Resting place | Invalidenfriedhof |
| Spouse |
Eliza von Moltke-Huitfeldt
(m. 1878) |
| Parent |
|
| Relatives | Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke (uncle) |
| Alma mater | War Academy |
| Nickname(s) | Moltke the Younger (Moltke der Jüngere) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | North German Confederation German Empire |
| Branch/service | Prussian Army Imperial German Army |
| Years of service | 1868–1916 |
| Rank | Generaloberst |
| Unit | 7th Grenadier Regiment |
| Commands | 1st Guards Infantry Brigade 1st Guards Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Franco-Prussian War World War I |
| Awards | Pour le Mérite Order of the Red Eagle House Order of the Wendish Crown Royal Victorian Order Order of the Sword |
Upon becoming the head of the General Staff, Moltke led the German Army from 1 January 1906 to 14 September 1914 during the opening months of World War I. His legacy remains a matter of controversy, due to his involvement in Germany's decision to go to war and in the execution of the invasion of France and Belgium that culminated in the First Battle of the Marne.