Edwin Freiherr von Manteuffel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Freiherr Edwin von Manteuffel
Born	(1809-02-24)24 February 1809 Dresden, Saxony
Died	17 June 1885(1885-06-17) (aged 76) Karlsbad, Bohemia
Buried	Frankfurt Main Cemetery
Allegiance	Kingdom of Prussia  German Confederation  North German Confederation  German Empire
Service/branch	Prussian Army  Imperial German Army
Years of service	1827–1885
Rank	Generalfeldmarschall
Commands held	IX Corps I Corps 1st Army Army of the South 2nd Army Army of Occupation
Battles/wars	Second Schleswig War Austro-Prussian War Franco-Prussian War
Awards	Grand Cross of the Iron Cross Pour le Mérite Order of the Black Eagle
Other work	Imperial Lieutenant of Alsace–Lorraine (1879–85)
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Edwin Karl Rochus Freiherr von Manteuffel (born February 24, 1809 – died June 17, 1885) was a famous Prussian Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal). He is well-known for his important victories during the Franco-Prussian War. He was also the very first Imperial Lieutenant (or Reichsstatthalter) of Alsace–Lorraine from 1879 until he passed away.

Who Was Edwin von Manteuffel?

Edwin von Manteuffel was born in Dresden. His father was a top judge in Magdeburg. Edwin grew up with his cousin, Otto von Manteuffel, who later became a Prussian statesman.

Starting a Military Career

In 1827, Edwin joined the guards cavalry in Berlin. He became an officer a year later, in 1828. He studied at the War Academy for two years. After that, he worked as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) for two different generals.

By 1843, he was promoted to captain. In 1848, he became a major and an aide-de-camp to King Frederick William IV of Prussia. The King trusted him a lot, especially during the revolutionary times in Berlin.

Rising Through the Ranks

Manteuffel became a lieutenant-colonel in 1852. A year later, he was promoted to colonel and led the 5th Uhlans cavalry unit. He was sent on important diplomatic missions to Vienna and St Petersburg.

In 1857, he became a major-general. He was also made chief of the Prussian Military Cabinet. This meant he was a key military advisor to the King. He strongly supported the Prince Regent's plans to make the army stronger.

In 1861, a politician named Karl Twesten criticized him. Manteuffel was promoted to lieutenant-general for the crowning of William I on October 18, 1861.

Key Wars and Commands

The Danish War of 1864

Manteuffel saw active service in the Danish War of 1864. After the war, he was put in charge of both the civilian and military government of Schleswig.

The Austro-Prussian War of 1866

During the Austrian War of 1866, Manteuffel first took control of Holstein. Then, he led a division under Eduard Vogel von Falkenstein in the Hanoverian campaign. In July, he took over from Vogel and commanded the Army of the Main.

Manteuffel by Richard Brend'amour

Manteuffel's campaign was successful. It ended with his army taking control of Würzburg. For his success, he received the Pour le Mérite award.

After the war, he went on a diplomatic trip to St Petersburg. There, he made sure that Russia agreed to Prussia having control over northern Germany. When he returned, he was given the honorary title of colonel of the 5th Dragoon Regiment. In 1866, he was put in command of the IX (Schleswig-Holstein) Corps.

Manteuffel's signature on a document from July 20, 1866. It states that Frankfurt had to pay a war contribution.

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71

In 1868, Manteuffel returned to active military service. He received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle in 1869.

During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, he led the I Corps. He showed great skill in battles like Battle of Borny-Colombey and at battle of Noisseville. In October, he took command of the 1st Army. He won the Battle of Amiens and occupied Rouen.

In January 1871, he commanded the new Army of the South. He led his troops through very cold weather. He managed to cut off Bourbaki's Army of the East. After a battle near Pontarlier, he forced them to cross into Switzerland, where they had to give up their weapons.

For this great victory, he immediately received the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. After the war ended, he was made a member of the Order of the Black Eagle.

Later Life and Leadership in Alsace-Lorraine

After the Southern Army was no longer needed, Manteuffel commanded the Second Army. From June 1871 to 1873, he was in charge of the German army that stayed in France after the war. He handled this difficult job with great skill.

When the occupation ended, the Emperor promoted Manteuffel to the highest military rank: Field Marshal. He also received a large sum of money. Around the same time, Alexander II of Russia gave him the Order of St. Andrew.

After this, he went on several diplomatic missions. For a while, he was the Governor of Berlin. In 1879, he was appointed Imperial Lieutenant of Alsace–Lorraine. This was a region that Germany had taken from France.

People in Alsace-Lorraine remembered him as a kind and educated man. He tried to bring people together and be fair. When the regional assembly of Alsace-Lorraine first met, he announced his goal. He wanted Alsace-Lorraine to become a fully independent state within the German Empire.

Edwin von Manteuffel died in Carlsbad, Bohemia, in 1885. He was still in office but had not yet achieved his goal of full autonomy for Alsace-Lorraine.

Awards and Recognition

Edwin von Manteuffel received many awards and decorations during his long career:

See also

In Spanish: Edwin von Manteuffel para niños