Werner von Blomberg: The Controversial German General and Minister of War
A Legacy of Military Leadership and Political Intrigue
Werner von Blomberg, a renowned German General Staff officer, is best known for his role as the first Minister of War in
Adolf Hitler's government, playing a pivotal role in Germany's military buildup leading up to World War II. As a skilled military strategist and politician, Blomberg's influence extended far beyond the battlefield, shaping the course of German history in profound ways.
Early Life and Career
Born on September 2, 1878, in Stargard, Germany (now Stargard, Poland), Blomberg came from a noble Baltic German family. He joined the army in 1897 and attended the Prussian Military Academy in 1904, graduating in 1907. Blomberg's distinguished military career spanned over three decades, during which he served with distinction on the Western Front during World War I, earning the prestigious Pour le Mérite.
Rise to Prominence: The Weimar Republic and Nazi Era
In the years following World War I, Blomberg held various positions within the German military, including chief of staff of the Döberitz Brigade and chief of army training. By 1927, he had risen to the rank of major general and chief of the Troop Office (Truppenamt), a position that would become a thinly veiled disguise for the German General Staff, banned by the Treaty of Versailles.
Blomberg's 1928 visit to the Soviet Union had a profound impact on his political ideology, convincing him of the value of totalitarian dictatorship as a prerequisite for military power. This shift in perspective aligned him with the rising Nazi Party, and in 1933, Hitler appointed Blomberg as Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces.
Controversy and Downfall
Blomberg's tenure as Minister of War was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding his marriage to Eva Gruhn, a woman with a questionable past. On January 20, 1938, Blomberg was forced to resign after his rivals,
Hermann Göring and
Heinrich Himmler, presented Hitler with evidence of his wife's alleged immoral behavior.
Personal Life and Legacy
Blomberg's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the loss of his first wife, Charlotte Hellmich, in 1932, and the subsequent passing of his second wife, Eva Gruhn, in 1935. He died on March 13, 1946, while in Allied captivity.
Today, Werner von Blomberg's legacy remains complex and multifaceted, defined by both his significant contributions to German military history and his complicity in the Nazi regime's rise to power. As a testament to the enduring impact of his life's work, Blomberg's story continues to fascinate historians and scholars of military and political history.
- Blomberg was a strong advocate for the development of the Luftwaffe, recognizing the importance of air power in modern warfare.
- He played a key role in Germany's remilitarization of the Rhineland, a move that violated the Treaty of Versailles.
- Blomberg was a vocal supporter of Hitler's aggressive foreign policy, including the annexation of Austria and the occupation of Czechoslovakia.
Quotes and Memorable Sayings
"I have always believed that the most effective response to danger is to march towards it." - Werner von Blomberg
FAQ
What was Werner von Blombergs role in the German military?
Werner von Blomberg was a German field marshal and a prominent figure in the Wehrmacht, serving as the Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces during the 1930s.
What was Werner von Blombergs relationship with Adolf Hitler?
Werner von Blomberg was an early supporter of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, believing that they would restore German military power and greatness.
What was Werner von Blombergs involvement in the rearmament of Germany?
Werner von Blomberg played a key role in the rearmament of Germany, secretly rebuilding the German military in violation of the Treaty of Versailles and preparing the country for war.
What led to Werner von Blombergs downfall?
Werner von Blombergs downfall was triggered by a scandal surrounding his wifes past, which led to his forced resignation and the eventual purge of the German military leadership.
What was Werner von Blombergs fate after his resignation?
After his resignation, Werner von Blomberg lived in retirement until his death in 1946, avoiding prosecution for his role in the Nazi regime due to his ill health.