# Alfred von Waldersee

> Prussian Field Marshal (1832-1904)

**Wikidata**: [Q60680](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60680)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_von_Waldersee)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alfred-von-waldersee

## Summary
Alfred von Waldersee was a Prussian Field Marshal and military officer who served from 1832 to 1904. He held a prominent position within the German General Staff, the full-time body at the head of the Prussian Army and German Army, and participated in the Franco-Prussian War. Recognized for his service, he was awarded the Order of the Black Eagle, the Order of St. Andrew, and was named an honorary citizen of Lübeck.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 8, 1832, or October 8, 1832
- **Nationality:** Kingdom of Prussia
- **Education:** Not provided in source material
- **Known for:** Service as a Prussian Field Marshal and leadership within the German General Staff
- **Employer(s):** German General Staff
- **Field(s):** Military service, Politics

## Contributions
Alfred von Waldersee contributed to the military leadership of the German Empire through his service in the German General Staff, the full-time body at the head of the Prussian Army and later the German Army (1871–1919). He participated in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), a military conflict between the Second French Empire and Prussia and its allies. His career spanned from 1850 until his death in 1904, during which he held the rank of Field Marshal. He was also recognized as an honorary citizen of Lübeck, a title of honor awarded by the city.

## FAQs
**When was Alfred von Waldersee born?**
He was born in 1832, with sources listing either April 8 or October 8 as the specific date.

**What military rank did Alfred von Waldersee achieve?**
He achieved the rank of Prussian Field Marshal, the highest rank in the Prussian Army.

**What awards did Alfred von Waldersee receive?**
He received the Order of the Black Eagle (the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia) and the Order of St. Andrew (the highest order of the Russian Empire).

**What was Alfred von Waldersee's role in the military?**
He served as a military officer and was a member of the German General Staff, the full-time body at the head of the Prussian Army and German Army.

**In which conflict did Alfred von Waldersee fight?**
He fought in the Franco-Prussian War, which took place between 1870 and 1871.

## Why They Matter
Alfred von Waldersee is significant for his role as a Field Marshal in the Prussian Army during a critical period of European military history. As a member of the German General Staff, he was part of the strategic leadership that guided the Prussian Army and the subsequent German Army. His participation in the Franco-Prussian War places him within the conflict that led to the unification of Germany. His receipt of the highest honors from both Prussia and Russia underscores his influential standing in international military affairs during the late 19th century.

## Notable For
- **Prussian Field Marshal:** Held the highest military rank in the Kingdom of Prussia.
- **German General Staff:** Served in the full-time body at the head of the Prussian Army and German Army (1871–1919).
- **Franco-Prussian War Veteran:** Participated in the 1870–1871 conflict against the Second French Empire.
- **Order of the Black Eagle:** Recipient of the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia.
- **Order of St. Andrew:** Recipient of the highest order of the Russian Empire.
- **Honorary Citizen of Lübeck:** Awarded the title of honor by the City of Lübeck, Germany.
- **Long Career:** His work period began in 1850 and continued until his death in 1904.

## Body

### Identity and Early Life
Alfred von Waldersee, whose full name was Alfred Ludwig Heinrich Karl Graf von Waldersee, was a human and military officer born in 1832. He is also recorded by the alias Field Marshal Alfred Heinrich Karl Ludwig von Waldersee. He held citizenship in the Kingdom of Prussia, a former European state that existed from 1701 to 1918 and was part of the German Empire after 1871. His professional work period began in 1850.

### Military Career and Service
Waldersee's primary occupation was as a military officer, though he was also classified as a politician. He served within the German General Staff, which was the full-time body at the head of the Prussian Army and, after 1871, the German Army. He was involved in the Franco-Prussian War, a significant military conflict that lasted from 1870 to 1871 between the Second French Empire and Prussia along with its allies. He ultimately achieved the rank of Prussian Field Marshal, distinguishing himself as a high-ranking leader within the military hierarchy.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Waldersee received numerous prestigious awards. He was granted the Order of the Black Eagle, which was the highest order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Prussia, established in 1701. Additionally, he was honored with the Order of St. Andrew, the highest order of the Russian Empire, established in 1698. Beyond these imperial orders, he was named an honorary citizen of Lübeck, a title of honor awarded by the City of Lübeck, Germany.

### Death and Legacy
Alfred von Waldersee died on March 5, 1904. His life and career spanned the evolution of the Prussian Army into the German Army, reflecting the military history of the German Empire in the late 19th century. His legacy is marked by his high-ranking status as a Field Marshal and his recognition by both Prussian and Russian leadership.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. The Peerage
3. Integrated Authority File
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-115171)
6. SNAC
7. IMDb
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands