Leonhard Graf von Blumenthal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Graf
Leonhard von Blumenthal
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Field Marshal von Blumenthal,
wearing his Pour le Mérite |
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| Born | 30 July 1810 Schwedt, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | 21 December 1900 (aged 90) Quellendorf, Province of Brandenburg, Kingdom of Prussia, German Empire |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Prussia German Empire |
| Service/ |
Prussian Army |
| Years of service | 1827–1896 |
| Rank | Generalfeldmarshall |
| Commands held | 14th Infantry Division IV Corps |
| Battles/wars | First Schleswig War Second Schleswig War Austro-Prussian War Franco-Prussian War |
| Awards | Pour le Mérite with oak leaves |
Karl Konstantin Albrecht Leonhard Graf von Blumenthal (born July 30, 1810 – died December 21, 1900) was an important Prussian military leader. He became a Field Marshal, which is the highest rank in the army.
He is best known for his role in several major wars. These include the Battle of Königgrätz in 1866 and his victories at Wörth and Weißenburg. He also led the siege of Paris in 1870. During this siege, he famously refused to heavily bombard the city.
Contents
Life of a Prussian General
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Leonhard von Blumenthal was born in Schwedt, Brandenburg. This was part of the Kingdom of Prussia at the time. His father was a captain in the army who died in battle in 1813.
Young Leonhard grew up on his grandfather's estate. He went to military schools in Culm and Berlin. In 1827, he joined the Guards as a second lieutenant. He also studied at the Berlin General War School. This school later became the Prussian Military Academy.
Early Military Career
In 1846, von Blumenthal joined the general staff's map-making division. In 1848, he helped calm unrest in Berlin. The next year, he became a captain. He served in the First Schleswig War in 1849. He showed great skill, especially at the Battle of Fredericia. He then became chief of staff for the Schleswig-Holstein army.
In 1850, he worked for the general staff in Hesse-Kassel. He also went on several missions to England. By 1859, he was a lieutenant-colonel and an aide to Prince Frederick Charles. In 1860, he became a colonel.
Wars and Promotions
In the Second Schleswig War of 1864, von Blumenthal was chief of staff for the army fighting Denmark. He showed great talent at the Battle of Dybbøl. He also planned a successful night attack on the island of Als. This attack helped end the war. For his efforts, he was promoted to major-general. He also received the Pour le Mérite award, a very high military honor.
During the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, von Blumenthal was chief of staff for the 2nd army. This army was led by the Crown Prince of Prussia. His army played a key role in the war. Their arrival at the Battle of Königgrätz helped win the day. The Crown Prince praised von Blumenthal for his leadership. He was promoted to lieutenant-general. He also received the oak-leaf for his Pour le Mérite award.
Franco-Prussian War and Later Life
In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, von Blumenthal was chief of staff for the 3rd army. Again, he served under the Crown Prince. Many of his family members also fought in this war. His skills were very important before the Battle of Sedan. Some even said his contributions were as important as those of Moltke, another famous general.
Bismarck, a key German leader, praised him. He said von Blumenthal deserved much credit for how the war was fought. He led the victories at Wörth and Wissembourg. He also directed the Siege of Paris. During the siege, he strongly opposed bombing the city.
After the war, in 1871, von Blumenthal represented Germany at military exercises in Britain. He then commanded the IV Corps in Magdeburg. In 1873, he became a general of infantry. Ten years later, he was made a count. In 1888, he became a general field marshal. He retired from the army in 1896. He died in 1900 at Quellendorf.
Legacy and Impact
Von Blumenthal was known for being kind and having a good sense of humor. This was noted by journalists who followed him during the Franco-Prussian War.
He was also important for developing a military idea called "Fire and Infiltration." This idea involved soldiers moving forward in small groups while firing. It became a key part of later military strategies, including what was known as Blitzkrieg.
Honors and Awards
Von Blumenthal received many honors throughout his long career. These awards recognized his bravery and skill as a military leader. Some of his most notable awards included:
Kingdom of Prussia:
- Pour le Mérite (military), received in 1864. He later received oak leaves and diamonds for this award.
- Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Classes, 1870
Duchy of Anhalt: Grand Cross of Albert the Bear, 1872
Austria-Hungary: Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of Leopold, 1875
Kingdom of Bavaria: Commander of the Military Order of Max Joseph
Russian Empire: Knight of St. George, 4th Class, 1870
Sweden: Knight of the Seraphim, 1873
Württemberg: Grand Cross of the Military Merit Order, 1870
Images for kids
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Statue of Blumenthal
See also
In Spanish: Leonhard Graf von Blumenthal para niños
