Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

Quotes

• “Der ewige Friede ist ein Traum, und nicht einmal ein schöner, und der Krieg ist ein Glied in Gottes Weltordnung. In ihm entfalten sich die edelsten Tugenden des Menschen, Mut und Entsagung, Pflichttreue und Opferwilligkeit mit Einsetzung des Lebens. Ohne den Krieg würde die Welt im Materialismus versumpfen.”
• “The tactical result of an engagement forms the base for new strategic decisions because victory or defeat in a battle changes the situation to such a degree that no human acumen is able to see beyond the first battle. In this sense one should understand Napoleon's saying: "I have never had a plan of operations." Therefore no plan of operations extends with any certainty beyond the first contact with the main hostile force.”
• “Strategy is a system of expedients; it is more than a mere scholarly discipline. It is the translation of knowledge to practical life, the improvement of the original leading thought in accordance with continually changing situations.”
• “The Jews form a state, and, obeying their own laws, they evade those of their host country. The Jews always consider an oath regarding a Christian not binding. During the Campaign of 1812 the Jews were spies, they were paid by both sides, they betrayed both sides.”

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Key dates

Born

26 October 1800

Died

24 April 1891

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Wikidata facts

Instance of

human

Given name

Bernhard

Gender

male

Citizenship

Kingdom of Prussia

Place of birth

Parchim

Place of death

Berlin

Occupation

general field marshal

Educated at

Prussian Military Academy

Political party

Conservative Party

Languages spoken

German

Noble title

count

Conflict

Austro-Prussian War

Military branch

Prussian Army

Military rank

general field marshal

Image

GFM Moltke.jpg

Work location

Wrocław

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