# Erich von Falkenhayn

> Chief of Germany's General Staff during the first two years of the First World War (1861-1922)

**Wikidata**: [Q57153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57153)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_von_Falkenhayn)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/erich-von-falkenhayn

## Summary
Erich von Falkenhayn was a Prussian military officer who served as Chief of the German General Staff during the first two years of World War I (1861–1922). He is best known for his strategic leadership during the early stages of the war, including the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes, which helped turn the tide in Germany's favor.

## Biography
- Born: September 11, 1861
- Nationality: German
- Education: Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute, Prussian Military Academy
- Known for: Leading Germany's military strategy during the early years of World War I
- Employer(s): German General Staff, Prussian Army
- Field(s): Military strategy, warfare

## Contributions
- **Battle of Tannenberg (1914)**: Led German forces to a decisive victory over Russian troops, significantly shifting the momentum of the war.
- **Battle of the Masurian Lakes (1914)**: Commanded German forces in a successful offensive against Russian positions, further consolidating Germany's early military advantages.
- **Early War Strategy**: Developed and implemented strategic plans that helped Germany achieve early successes in World War I.

## FAQs
### What was Erich von Falkenhayn's role in World War I?
Erich von Falkenhayn served as Chief of the German General Staff during the first two years of World War I, where he played a crucial role in shaping Germany's early military strategy.

### Where did Erich von Falkenhayn receive his military education?
He was educated at the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute and the Prussian Military Academy, both of which prepared him for a career in the Prussian Army.

### What were some of Erich von Falkenhayn's notable military achievements?
He is best known for his leadership in the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes, which helped turn the tide in Germany's favor during the early stages of the war.

### What awards did Erich von Falkenhayn receive?
He received several prestigious awards, including the Pour le Mérite, the Order of the Black Eagle, and the Military Merit Order (Bavaria), among others.

### How did Erich von Falkenhayn's strategies influence the outcome of World War I?
His strategic decisions during the early years of the war helped Germany achieve significant military successes, which contributed to the overall momentum of the conflict.

## Why They Matter
Erich von Falkenhayn's strategic leadership during the early years of World War I had a profound impact on the course of the war. His decisions at the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes helped Germany secure early victories, which influenced the broader military strategies and outcomes of the conflict. His work laid the foundation for Germany's military approach in the early stages of the war, shaping the tactics and strategies that followed.

## Notable For
- **Chief of the German General Staff**: Led Germany's military strategy during the first two years of World War I.
- **Battle of Tannenberg (1914)**: Commanded German forces to a decisive victory over Russian troops.
- **Battle of the Masurian Lakes (1914)**: Successfully led German forces in an offensive against Russian positions.
- **Pour le Mérite**: Awarded the prestigious Pour le Mérite for his military achievements.
- **Order of the Black Eagle**: Received the Order of the Black Eagle, one of Prussia's highest honors.
- **Military Merit Order (Bavaria)**: Awarded the Military Merit Order (Bavaria) for his contributions to the war effort.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Erich von Falkenhayn was born on September 11, 1861. He received his military education at the Royal Prussian Main Cadet Institute and the Prussian Military Academy, which prepared him for a career in the Prussian Army.

### Military Career
Falkenhayn began his military career in the Prussian Army and later served as Chief of the German General Staff during the first two years of World War I. He played a pivotal role in shaping Germany's early military strategy, which included key battles such as the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes.

### Leadership in World War I
As Chief of the German General Staff, Falkenhayn was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans that helped Germany achieve early successes in World War I. His leadership during the Battle of Tannenberg and the Battle of the Masurian Lakes helped turn the tide in Germany's favor, significantly influencing the course of the war.

### Awards and Recognition
Falkenhayn received numerous prestigious awards for his military achievements, including the Pour le Mérite, the Order of the Black Eagle, and the Military Merit Order (Bavaria). These honors recognized his contributions to the war effort and his strategic leadership.

### Legacy
Erich von Falkenhayn's legacy is closely tied to the early years of World War I, where his strategic decisions helped shape the military landscape of the conflict. His work laid the foundation for Germany's military approach in the early stages of the war, influencing the tactics and strategies that followed. His contributions remain a significant part of military history and continue to be studied by strategists and historians alike.

## References

1. Deutsche Biographie
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Genealogics
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-113311)
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb146477037)
15. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)