What is the historical military rank of Generalfeldmarschall, and what is its etymology?

Generalfeldmarschall was a high military rank in the armies of several German states, the Holy Roman Empire, and later Austria-Hungary and Nazi Germany. The term originates from Old High German 'marahscalc', meaning 'marshal' or 'stable master'. In English, it is commonly translated as 'general field marshal', 'field marshal general', or simply 'field marshal'.

What was the naval equivalent of the Generalfeldmarschall rank in the Imperial German Navy and Kriegsmarine?

The naval equivalent to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall in the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) and the Kriegsmarine was Großadmiral, which translates to Grand Admiral. This rank is considered a five-star rank, comparable to the NATO rank of OF-10 in naval forces.

How many individuals achieved the rank of Feldmarschall in Austria-Hungary between 1914 and 1918, and how many were from the ruling dynasty?

Between 1914 and 1918, ten men attained the rank of Kaiserlicher und königlicher Feldmarschall in Austria-Hungary. Of these ten, four were members of the reigning Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty.

What privileges were associated with the rank of Generalfeldmarschall in the Prussian, Imperial German, and Wehrmacht armies?

In the Royal Prussian Army, the Imperial German Army, and the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany, the rank of Generalfeldmarschall carried several privileges. These included potential elevation to nobility, equal protocol rank with cabinet ministers, the right to report directly to the monarch, and the provision of a constant escort.

Why was the rank of Generaloberst created in Prussia in 1854?

The rank of Generaloberst (colonel general) was created in Prussia in 1854 to allow Wilhelm, the Crown Prince of Prussia (later Emperor Wilhelm I), to be promoted to a senior rank. This was done without violating the existing rule that only wartime field commanders could receive the rank of field marshal for a victory in a decisive battle or the capture of a significant location.

Who were the first Prussian princes appointed to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall in 1870?

In 1870, Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia and Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, both of whom had commanded armies during the Franco-Prussian War, became the first Prussian princes to be appointed to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall.

How many German officers were promoted to Generalfeldmarschall during World War I, excluding honorary appointments?

During World War I, excluding honorary promotions to members of royal families and foreign officers, only five German officers were designated Generalfeldmarschall. Additionally, one naval officer was designated Grand Admiral.

Who were the five German officers promoted to Generalfeldmarschall during World War I?

The five German officers promoted to Generalfeldmarschall during World War I were Paul von Hindenburg, August von Mackensen, Karl von Bülow, Hermann von Eichhorn, and Remus von Woyrsch.

Which prominent German commanders did not receive the rank of field marshal or Grand Admiral during World War I?

Despite their prominence, commanders such as Erich Ludendorff, Erich von Falkenhayn, and Reinhard Scheer did not receive marshal's batons or the rank of Grand Admiral during World War I.

When did Adolf Hitler reintroduce the rank of Generalfeldmarschall into the Wehrmacht, and who were the first recipients?

Adolf Hitler reintroduced the rank of Generalfeldmarschall into the Wehrmacht on April 20, 1936, with the promotion of Reich Minister of War Werner von Blomberg. Hermann Göring, the Aviation Minister, was promoted on February 4, 1938.

What was the highest military rank in the Wehrmacht until July 1940, and what higher rank was created then?

Until July 1940, the rank of Generalfeldmarschall was the highest military rank in the Wehrmacht. In July 1940, Hermann Göring was promoted to the newly created higher rank of Reichsmarschall.

How did Hitler's distribution of the Generalfeldmarschall rank compare to that of Kaiser Wilhelm II?

Unlike Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was more reserved in awarding the rank, Adolf Hitler distributed the rank of Generalfeldmarschall more widely. Hitler promoted a total of 25 Heer and Luftwaffe officers, along with two Kriegsmarine Grand Admirals, during his regime.

On what date did Hitler promote nine Army generals and three air force officers to field marshal after the Battle of France?

On July 19, 1940, four weeks after the German victory in the Battle of France, Hitler promoted nine Army generals and three air force officers to the rank of field marshal.

Who were the nine Army generals promoted to field marshal on July 19, 1940?

The nine Army generals promoted to field marshal on July 19, 1940, were Walther von Brauchitsch, Wilhelm Keitel, Gerd von Rundstedt, Fedor von Bock, Wilhelm von Leeb, Wilhelm List, Günther von Kluge, Erwin von Witzleben, and Walter von Reichenau.

Who were the three Luftwaffe officers promoted to field marshal on July 19, 1940?

The three Luftwaffe officers promoted to field marshal on July 19, 1940, were Albert Kesselring, Erhard Milch, and Hugo Sperrle.

Under what circumstances was Friedrich Paulus promoted to Generalfeldmarschall, and what was Hitler's intention?

Friedrich Paulus, commander of the 6th Army at the Battle of Stalingrad, was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall via field radio on January 30, 1943, the day before his army's surrender. Hitler's intention was to encourage Paulus to fight to the death or commit suicide, noting that no German or Prussian field marshal had ever been captured alive.

What was Generalfeldmarschall Paulus's response to Hitler's implied expectation regarding his capture at Stalingrad?

Despite Hitler's encouragement to fight to the death or commit suicide, Generalfeldmarschall Paulus surrendered the day after his promotion. He reportedly stated, 'I have no intention of shooting myself for this Bavarian corporal,' indicating his defiance towards Hitler.

Which three officers were promoted to field marshal on the day following Paulus's surrender at Stalingrad?

The day after Paulus's surrender, Hitler promoted three more officers to field marshal: Ernst Busch, Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist, and Maximilian von Weichs, all members of the Heer (Army).

Who was promoted to field marshal in 1942 for his success in the Siege of Sevastopol?

Erich von Manstein was promoted to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall on June 30, 1942, for his success in the Siege of Sevastopol.

What were the financial benefits for Generalfeldmarschalls in Nazi Germany?

The rank of Generalfeldmarschall was financially lucrative in Nazi Germany. Besides a yearly salary, Hitler introduced tax-free fringe benefits for generals ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 Reichsmark per month in 1940. Additionally, generous gifts were bestowed, such as the 250,000 Reichsmark Hitler gave to Wilhelm von Leeb for his 65th birthday.

Which Generalfeldmarschalls were relieved of duty in 1942 due to perceived failures during Operation Barbarossa?

Fedor von Bock, Walther von Brauchitsch, Wilhelm von Leeb, and Wilhelm List were all relieved of their posts in 1942 for perceived failures during Operation Barbarossa and took no further active part in the war.

Which field marshals were retired in 1944, and which in March 1945?

Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist, Erich von Manstein, and Hugo Sperrle were retired in 1944. Gerd von Rundstedt and Maximilian von Weichs were retired in March 1945.

What led to the retirement of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder in January 1943?

Grand Admiral Erich Raeder was retired in January 1943 following a significant argument with Hitler concerning the future strategy for the German surface fleet.

What happened to Walter Model by the end of the war, and why?

Walter Model, despite being one of Hitler's most successful commanders, lost the Führer's confidence by the war's end. He committed suicide to avoid capture and a potential trial as a war criminal.

Which field marshals were executed or forced to commit suicide due to their involvement in the 20 July plot?

Günther von Kluge, Erwin von Witzleben, and Erwin Rommel were implicated in the 20 July plot against Hitler. Kluge and Witzleben were executed, while Rommel was forced to commit suicide.

Who was the last German field marshal appointed, and when?

The last German field marshal appointed was Luftwaffe General Robert Ritter von Greim, who was promoted on April 25, 1945, just five days before Hitler's suicide. This promotion occurred after Hermann Göring had fallen out of Hitler's favor.

What rank did East Germany's National People's Army create in 1982, and was it ever awarded?

In 1982, the National People's Army of East Germany created the rank of Marshal of the German Democratic Republic. This rank could be awarded by the State Council during wartime or for exceptional military achievement, but it was never actually conferred upon anyone.

Do the ranks of Generalfeldmarschall, Generaloberst, Großadmiral, and Generaladmiral still exist in modern Germany's Bundeswehr?

No, the ranks of Generalfeldmarschall, Generaloberst, Großadmiral, and Generaladmiral no longer exist in the modern German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr, which was established in 1956.

What are the highest military grades currently in the German Bundeswehr?

The current highest military grades in the German Bundeswehr are General and Admiral.

Who holds supreme command authority over the Bundeswehr in peacetime and wartime, respectively?

In peacetime, the civilian Federal Minister of Defence holds supreme command authority over the Bundeswehr, as per Article 65a of the Basic Law. During a State of Defence in wartime, this supreme command authority transfers to the Federal Chancellor.

When was the rank of Field Marshal first used in Saxony, and how frequently was it used in the 17th and 18th centuries?

The rank of Field Marshal was first used in Saxony in 1631. It was subsequently used nine more times in the 17th century and seven times in the 18th century.

How was the rank of Field Marshal used by the Kingdom of Saxony in the 19th century?

After becoming part of the German Empire in 1871, the Kingdom of Saxony used the rank of Field Marshal twice during the 19th century.

When was the rank of Field Marshal General first introduced in Ethiopia, and who was the first recipient?

The rank of Field Marshal General was first used in Ethiopia in 2022. On January 8, 2022, Birhanu Jula, the Chief of General Staff, was promoted to this rank during a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

What was the status of the General-Feldmarschall rank in the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union?

The rank of General-Feldmarschall was used in the Russian Empire until 1917, when it was abolished. In 1935, the Soviet Union reintroduced a similar high rank called Marshal of the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, which remained in use until the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

When was the rank of Marshal of the Russian Federation introduced?

The rank of Marshal of the Russian Federation was reintroduced in 1993 following the declaration of the Russian Federation.

What does the image of the Prussian marshal's baton from 1895 depict?

The image shows a Prussian marshal's baton, which was awarded to Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1895.

What does the image of the k.u.k. Army Feldmarschall uniform from 1918 represent?

The image displays the uniform of a Feldmarschall of the Austro-Hungarian Army (k.u.k. Army), specifically showing the Paroli, which refers to the distinctive insignia or regalia associated with the rank.

What types of insignia are shown in the German/Prussian section of the article?

The German/Prussian section displays various insignia, including a Bavarian Army collar patch from 1832, a Prussian Generalfeldmarschall epaulette, a Prussian Generalfeldmarschall shoulder board from 1918, and a Bavarian Generalfeldmarschall service uniform from 1918.

What rank insignia is depicted in the Nazi Germany section of the infobox?

The infobox for Nazi Germany shows the rank flag for Generalfeldmarschall, as well as the Arabesque and Shoulder board insignia used from 1942 to 1945, and a Generalfeldmarschall service uniform from 1945.

What does the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article refer to?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to external databases, such as the German National Library (GND), that catalog information about the rank of Generalfeldmarschall, including specific entries for 'Feldmarschall'.

Generalfeldmarschall Wiki: The General's Apex: A Deep Dive into the Rank of Generalfeldmarschall

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Overview: Generalfeldmarschall

Etymology and Equivalents

The term Generalfeldmarschall, often abbreviated to Feldmarschall, originates from Old High German marahscalc, meaning "stable master" or "groom." This etymology highlights its historical roots in managing cavalry and logistics. In English, it translates to "general field marshal," "field marshal general," or simply "field marshal." This rank was historically equivalent to Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) in the German Navy, signifying a five-star rank comparable to NATO's OF-10 naval rank.

Historical Context

This prestigious rank was utilized in the armies of several German states, the Holy Roman Empire (as Reichsgeneralfeldmarschall), the Habsburg Monarchy, the Austrian Empire, and Austria-Hungary. Its presence signifies the highest echelon of military command, often reserved for distinguished leaders or members of the ruling elite.

Privileges and Status

Holders of the Generalfeldmarschall rank often enjoyed significant privileges. These could include elevation to nobility, protocol rank equivalent to cabinet ministers, the right to report directly to the monarch, and the provision of a constant escort. These distinctions underscored the immense authority and prestige associated with the position.

The Habsburg Realm: Austria

Imperial and Royal Field Marshal

Within the Austrian Empire and later Austria-Hungary, the rank was known as Kaiserlicher Feldmarschall ("imperial field marshal") and Kaiserlicher und königlicher Feldmarschall ("imperial and royal field marshal"), respectively. The Emperor-King held this rank ex officio. During the period of 1914 to 1918, ten individuals attained this supreme military distinction, with four of them being members of the ruling Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty.

German Military Ascendancy

Prussia and the German Empire

In the Kingdom of Prussia and the subsequent Imperial German Army, the rank of Generalfeldmarschall held profound significance. The creation of the Generaloberst (colonel general) rank in 1854 was partly to accommodate senior officers without violating the tradition of awarding field marshal ranks only for decisive battlefield victories. During World War I, the rank was bestowed sparingly, with only five German Army and Air Force officers receiving it, alongside one naval Grand Admiral. Notable commanders like Hindenburg and Mackensen were among the recipients, while others, despite their prominence, did not achieve this ultimate military honor.

Nazi Germany: Power and Peril

Adolf Hitler revived the Generalfeldmarschall rank in 1936. Initially conferred upon figures like Werner von Blomberg and Hermann Göring, its distribution became more widespread during World War II. Göring was later elevated to the unique rank of Reichsmarschall in 1940. While Hitler showered his field marshals with financial rewards and privileges, the fortunes of war often led to disgrace. Many were relieved of command, executed for alleged treason, or committed suicide, illustrating the precarious nature of high command under the Nazi regime.

Hitler's promotions reflected both battlefield successes and political considerations:

Initial Promotions (1936-1938): Werner von Blomberg, Hermann Göring.
Post-Battle of France (July 1940): Nine Army generals (including Brauchitsch, Keitel, Rundstedt, Bock) and three Luftwaffe generals (Kesselring, Milch, Sperrle).
Mid-War Promotions (1942-1943): Erwin Rommel, Erich von Manstein, Georg von Küchler, Friedrich Paulus (notably promoted via radio before his surrender at Stalingrad).
Later Promotions (1944-1945): Walter Model, Ferdinand Schörner, Robert Ritter von Greim (the last German field marshal).

The rank came with substantial financial benefits, including tax-free fringe benefits and generous personal gifts from Hitler. However, Hitler's favor was not permanent. Many field marshals faced downfall due to perceived failures or political intrigue, leading to their dismissal, forced suicide, or execution. By the war's end, only a few remained in positions of military responsibility.

Post-War Germany and East Germany

Following World War II, the ranks of Generalfeldmarschall and its equivalents were abolished in the modern German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, established in 1956. The highest military grades are now General and Admiral. In East Germany, the rank of Marshal of the German Democratic Republic was established in 1982, but it was never conferred upon any individual.

The Saxon Legacy

Early Usage

The rank of Field Marshal first appeared in the northern German state of Saxony within the Holy Roman Empire in 1631. It saw further use multiple times throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Following the unification of Germany, the Kingdom of Saxony continued to use the title in the 19th century, albeit on two occasions.

Modern Ethiopian Command

A Contemporary Appointment

In a notable modern development, the rank of Field Marshal General was introduced in Ethiopia. On January 8, 2022, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presided over a ceremony where the rank was conferred upon Birhanu Jula, the Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, marking a significant elevation in contemporary military hierarchy.

Russian Military Hierarchy

From Empire to Federation

The rank of General-Feldmarschall existed in the Russian Empire until its abolition in 1917. It was subsequently reintroduced in 1935 under Joseph Stalin as Marshal of the Soviet Union. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the rank was re-established in 1993 as Marshal of the Russian Federation, continuing a tradition of supreme military command.

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References

Beevor, Antony (1998). Stalingrad, The Fateful Siege: 1942â1943. New York: Penguin Books. p. 381

A full list of references for this article are available at the Generalfeldmarschall Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Generalfeldmarschall, and may not encompass all nuances or be entirely up-to-date.

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The General's Apex

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🎖️ Overview: Generalfeldmarschall

📜 Etymology and Equivalents

🌍 Historical Context

👑 Privileges and Status

👑 The Habsburg Realm: Austria

🇦🇹 Imperial and Royal Field Marshal

🦅 German Military Ascendancy

🏰 Prussia and the German Empire

⚔️ Nazi Germany: Power and Peril

🇩🇪 Post-War Germany and East Germany

🏰 The Saxon Legacy

📜 Early Usage

🦁 Modern Ethiopian Command

🇪🇹 A Contemporary Appointment

⭐ Russian Military Hierarchy

🇷🇺 From Empire to Federation

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview: Generalfeldmarschall

Etymology and Equivalents

Historical Context

Privileges and Status

The Habsburg Realm: Austria

Imperial and Royal Field Marshal

German Military Ascendancy

Prussia and the German Empire

Nazi Germany: Power and Peril

Post-War Germany and East Germany

The Saxon Legacy

Early Usage

Modern Ethiopian Command

A Contemporary Appointment

Russian Military Hierarchy

From Empire to Federation

Sources

Cited References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice