Born:
26-Oct-1800, Parchim, Germany
Died: 24-Apr-1891, Berlin, Germany
Nationality: German
Religion:
Fields: Politics. Military
Main Accomplishments: He created the general staff that became
the basis for Germany's formidable modern armies, and the model for
similar organizations throughout Europe. He also guided the armed forces
of Prussia and Germany to victories over Denmark, Austria, and France,
making possible Bismarck's creation of a unified German state.
October
26, 1800
Birth
of Helmuth von Moltke
1827
He
had published a short romance, The Two Friends.
1831
He
wrote an essay entitled Holland and Belgium in their Mutual Relations,
from their Separation under Philip II to their Reunion under William I.
1832
He
was seconded for service on the general staff at Berlin
1833
Promotion
to first lieutenant
1835
On
his promotion as captain, Moltke obtained six months leave to travel in
south-Eastern Europe.
1838
Moltke
was sent as adviser to the Ottoman general commanding the troops in
Armenia, who was to carry on a campaign against Muhammad Ali of Egypt
1839
His
army moved south to fight the Egyptians, but upon the approach of the
enemy the general refused to listen to Moltke's advice.
24
June 1839
The
Ottoman army was beaten (Muhammad Ali was defeated only once or twice in
his lifetime).
December
1839
His
patron, Sultan Mahmud II, was dead, so he returned to Berlin where he
arrived, broken in health
1840
Moltke
had been appointed to the staff of the 4th army corps, stationed at Berlin
and he published his maps of Constantinople, and, jointly with other
German travellers, a new map of Asia Minor and a memoir on the geography
of that country.
1845
Moltke
published The Russo-Turkish Campaign in Europe, 1828-1829, this book was
also well received in military circles.
1848
After a brief return to the great general staff at Berlin, he became
chief of the staff of the 4th army corps.
1855
Moltke
served as personal aide to Prince Frederick (later Emperor Frederick III)
1857
Moltke
was given the position Chief of the Prussian Großer Generalstab (military
staff), a position he held for the next 30 years.
1859
He
Austro-Sardinian War in Italy caused the mobilization of the Prussian
army, though it did not fight.
December
1862
Moltke
was asked for an opinion upon the military aspect of the quarrel with
Denmark.
February
1864
When the Second Schleswig War began, Moltke was not sent with the
Prussian forces, but kept at Berlin.
1866
Moltke
planned and led the successful military operations during the
Austro-Prussian War
1867
The
Campaign of 1866 in Germany was published. This history was produced under
Moltke's personal supervision, it was regarded as quite accurate at the
time.
December
24, 1868
Moltke's
wife died at Berlin. Her remains were buried in a small chapel erected by
Moltke as a mausoleum in the park at Kreisau.
July
5, 1870
The
order for the mobilization of the Prussian and South German forces was
issued, his plans were adopted without dispute. Five days later he was
appointed Chief of the general staff of the army for the duration of the
war. This gave Moltke the right to issue orders which were equivalent to
royal commands.
1871
Moltke
again planned and led the Prussian armies in the Franco-Prussian Warwhich
paved the way for the creation of the Prussian-led German Empire
27
October
The
Siege of Metz ended with its surrender
October
1870
Moltke
was made a Graf (Count) as a reward for his services.
June
1871
He
was further rewarded by a promotion to the rank of field marshal and a
large monetary grant.
1888
Moltke
retired as Chief of the General Staff and was succeeded by Graf von
Waldersee.
9
August 1888
Moltke
retired from active service
1891
Died
in Berlin
