# Erich Ludendorff

> German Army officer (1865–1937)

**Wikidata**: [Q58579](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58579)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Ludendorff)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/erich-ludendorff

## Summary
Erich Ludendorff was a German Army officer (1865–1937) who played a pivotal role in World War I as a key military strategist and leader. He is best known for his collaboration with Paul von Hindenburg in major battles on the Eastern Front and his later involvement in right-wing politics, including the failed Kapp Putsch and Beer Hall Putsch.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 9, 1865, in Kruszewnia, Kingdom of Prussia
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute
- **Known for**: Military leadership in World War I, collaboration with Hindenburg, and post-war political activism
- **Employer(s)**: Prussian Army, German Empire
- **Field(s)**: Military strategy, politics

## Contributions
- **Military Leadership**: Ludendorff was a key strategist in World War I, working alongside Paul von Hindenburg in major battles such as the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes.
- **Political Activism**: After the war, he was involved in right-wing politics, participating in the Kapp Putsch and the Beer Hall Putsch.
- **Writings**: Ludendorff authored several books, including his autobiography, which detailed his military strategies and political views.

## FAQs
### What was Erich Ludendorff's role in World War I?
Erich Ludendorff was a key military strategist and leader in World War I, collaborating with Paul von Hindenburg in major battles on the Eastern Front.

### What political events was Erich Ludendorff involved in after World War I?
After the war, Ludendorff was involved in right-wing politics, participating in the Kapp Putsch and the Beer Hall Putsch.

### What awards did Erich Ludendorff receive?
Ludendorff received several prestigious awards, including the Pour le Mérite, the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, and the Military Order of Max Joseph.

### What is the Ludendorff Bridge?
The Ludendorff Bridge was a former railway bridge in Germany, named after Erich Ludendorff, which played a significant role during World War II.

### What is Erich Ludendorff's legacy?
Ludendorff's legacy includes his significant contributions to military strategy during World War I and his influence on post-war German politics.

## Why They Matter
Erich Ludendorff's military strategies and leadership during World War I had a profound impact on the course of the war. His collaboration with Hindenburg shaped the Eastern Front battles, and his post-war political activism influenced the rise of right-wing movements in Germany. His writings and political involvement continue to be studied for their historical significance.

## Notable For
- **Military Leadership**: Key strategist in World War I, collaborating with Paul von Hindenburg.
- **Political Activism**: Involvement in the Kapp Putsch and Beer Hall Putsch.
- **Awards**: Recipient of the Pour le Mérite, Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, and Military Order of Max Joseph.
- **Writings**: Author of several books, including his autobiography.
- **Legacy**: Significant influence on military strategy and post-war German politics.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Erich Ludendorff was born on April 9, 1865, in Kruszewnia, Kingdom of Prussia. He received his education at the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute, which prepared him for a career in the military.

### Military Career
Ludendorff's military career began in the Prussian Army, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic acumen. During World War I, he became a key figure, collaborating with Paul von Hindenburg in major battles on the Eastern Front, including the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes. His strategies and leadership were instrumental in several German victories.

### Political Activism
After World War I, Ludendorff became involved in right-wing politics. He participated in the Kapp Putsch, an attempted coup in the Weimar Republic, and the Beer Hall Putsch, another failed coup attempt. His political activism reflected his belief in a strong, authoritarian government for Germany.

### Awards and Recognition
Ludendorff received numerous awards for his military service, including the Pour le Mérite, the Kingdom of Prussia's highest order of merit, and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, a decoration intended for victorious generals. He was also awarded the Military Order of Max Joseph, a military award of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

### Writings and Legacy
Ludendorff authored several books, including his autobiography, which detailed his military strategies and political views. His writings provide valuable insights into his thoughts on military tactics and post-war German politics. His legacy includes his significant contributions to military strategy during World War I and his influence on the rise of right-wing movements in Germany.

### Related Entities
- **Paul von Hindenburg**: Collaborated with Ludendorff in major battles during World War I.
- **Kapp Putsch**: An attempted coup in the Weimar Republic in which Ludendorff participated.
- **Beer Hall Putsch**: Another failed coup attempt involving Ludendorff.
- **Ludendorff Bridge**: A former railway bridge in Germany named after Erich Ludendorff.

### Connected Projects and Databases
Ludendorff is documented in various databases and projects, including:
- **Wikidata**: Q94415
- **Wikipedia**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Encyclopædia Britannica**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Great Soviet Encyclopedia**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Meyers Konversations-Lexikon**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Nuttall Encyclopædia**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Granat Encyclopedic Dictionary**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Encyclopædia Universalis**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Oxford Reference Library**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Encyclopædia Britannica Online**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Small Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1905–1909)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1911)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1914)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1916)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1918)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1920)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1922)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1924)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1926)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1928)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1930)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1932)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1934)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1936)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1938)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1940)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1942)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1944)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1946)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1948)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1950)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1952)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1954)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1956)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1958)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1960)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1962)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1964)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1966)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1968)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1970)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1972)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1974)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1976)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1978)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1980)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1982)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1984)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1986)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1988)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1990)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1992)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1994)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1996)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (1998)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2000)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2002)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2004)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2006)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2008)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2010)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2012)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2014)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2016)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2018)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2020)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2022)**: Erich Ludendorff
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary (2024)**: Erich Ludendorff

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Q123194928
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-114232)
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Nationalencyklopedin
13. Find a Grave
14. filmportal.de
15. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
16. GeneaStar
17. Roglo
18. Babelio
19. Croatian Encyclopedia
20. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb126741872)
23. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
24. Catalogo of the National Library of India