Helmuth von Moltke the Younger facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Helmuth von Moltke the Younger
Moltke in 1906
Chief of the Oberste Heeresleitung
In office 1 January 1906 – 14 September 1914
Monarch	Wilhelm II
Chancellor	Bernhard von Bülow Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg
Preceded by	Alfred von Schlieffen
Succeeded by	Erich von Falkenhayn
Personal details
Born	Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke (1848-05-25)25 May 1848 Biendorf, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, German Confederation
Died	18 June 1916(1916-06-18) (aged 68) Berlin, Province of Brandenburg, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire
Resting place	Invalidenfriedhof
Spouse	Eliza von Moltke-Huitfeldt ​ (m. 1878)​
Parent	Adolf von Moltke [de] (father)
Relatives	Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke (uncle)
Alma mater	War Academy
Nicknames	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

Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke (born May 25, 1848 – died June 18, 1916) was a German general. He was also known as Moltke the Younger. He held the important position of Chief of the Great German General Staff.

He was the nephew of Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke, a famous military leader. His uncle was often called "Moltke the Elder" to tell them apart. Moltke the Younger led the German Army from 1906 until September 1914. This was during the first months of World War I. People still debate his role in Germany's decision to go to war. They also discuss the problems with the "Schlieffen Plan" during the war.

Helmuth von Moltke the Younger

Early Military Career

Helmuth von Moltke was born in Biendorf, Germany. He was named after his uncle, who later became a Field Marshal. His uncle was a hero for helping to unite Germany.

During the Franco-Prussian War, Moltke served as a soldier. He was recognized for his bravery. From 1875 to 1878, he studied at the War Academy. In 1880, he joined the General Staff. This was a group of highly trained military officers who planned army operations.

In 1882, he became a personal assistant to his uncle. His uncle was then the Chief of the General Staff. After his uncle passed away in 1891, Moltke became an aide to Kaiser Wilhelm II. This made him a close advisor to the Emperor. In 1898, he became a commander of a guards brigade. By 1902, he was a Lieutenant General and led the 1st Guards Infantry Division.

Becoming Chief of Staff

In 1904, Moltke became Quartermaster-General. This meant he was the Deputy Chief of the General Staff. In 1906, he became the Chief when Alfred von Schlieffen retired. His appointment was a bit controversial. Some people thought he got the job because of his famous name. Others believed it was due to his close friendship with Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Historians say that other candidates might have been too independent for the Kaiser. Moltke's friendship with the Kaiser gave him more freedom. Even so, some military leaders thought Moltke did a good job as Chief.

The Marne Campaign and World War I

Just before World War I began in 1914, Moltke faced a big decision. The Kaiser thought Britain might stay neutral if Germany did not attack France. The Kaiser told Moltke to move soldiers from the western front to the eastern front. This would avoid fighting on two fronts at once.

Moltke refused, saying such a big change would cause chaos. He argued that the war plan, which had been prepared for a long time, had to be followed. Later, a general named Hermann von Staabs said the army did have a plan for such changes. However, the Kaiser's information about Britain was wrong. So, the Kaiser told Moltke to stick to the original plan.

Moltke's health suffered from this stress. After Germany's defeat at the First Battle of the Marne, he was replaced. This happened on September 14, 1914, by Erich von Falkenhayn.

People still debate if Moltke was to blame for the failure at the Marne. Some say Moltke weakened the "Schlieffen Plan." This plan was Germany's strategy for a quick victory in the west. Records show Moltke moved many soldiers to the east before the war. He also moved troops from the important right wing to the left wing facing France.

Some historians believe these moves led to the plan's failure. Others argue that the failure was due to other generals not following orders. They say that Moltke lost control of his armies during August. This made it hard for him to react when the Battle of the Marne began. However, German military rules often allowed officers to make their own decisions. Some historians also say Moltke was worried about Russia invading.

After the German retreat from the Marne, Moltke reportedly told the Kaiser, "Your Majesty, we have lost the war." He also wrote to his wife that the fighting had not gone well.

Life After the War's Start

After being replaced, Moltke worked in Berlin. He was in charge of organizing reserve soldiers and controlling local army groups. These groups supported the soldiers at the front lines.

Moltke's health continued to get worse. He passed away in Berlin on June 18, 1916. This happened during a memorial ceremony for Marshal Colmar Freiherr von der Goltz.

He had written a pamphlet called Die 'Schuld' am Kriege (The Blame for the War). His wife, Eliza, wanted to publish it in 1919. But she was told not to, as it might cause problems. The pamphlet aimed to show that events leading to the war were "chaotic." This was to counter claims that Germany wanted the war. Army leaders and the German foreign ministry were concerned about its contents. Instead, Eliza published a collection of his letters. The original pamphlet has not been seen since.

Moltke's Personal Side

At 66, Moltke was one of the older commanders in 1914. He was not in good health and had a stroke before the war. These factors might have affected his decisions under pressure.

He enjoyed music, painting, and reading. Historian Barbara W. Tuchman described him as a self-doubting person.

Moltke followed a belief system called Theosophy. This taught that human history is a cycle of civilizations rising and falling. Historian Margaret MacMillan linked this belief to his calm acceptance of a possible war. Like many German military leaders, he was also influenced by Social Darwinism. This idea suggested that nations were in a struggle for survival. This made him believe that delaying war would be worse for Germany.

Awards and Recognition

He received many awards and decorations, both from Germany and other countries:

German honours

Foreign honours

Images for kids

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  Grave of Helmuth von Moltke in the Invalids' Cemetery (Invalidenfriedhof), Berlin (restitution stone from 2007)

See also

In Spanish: Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke para niños