Werner von Blomberg

Werner von Blomberg

Werner von Blomberg was born on September 2nd, 1878

Full Name: Werner von Blomberg
Birth Date: September 2, 1878
Birth Place: Stargard, Germany
Occupation: Field Marshal
Notable Position: Minister of War
Party: Nazi Party
Influence: German Military
Death Date: March 14, 1946

A German field marshal who served as the Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces during the Nazi era, known for his role in the remilitarization of the Rhineland.

Written by: Lisa Chang Lisa Chang

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.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

"I have always believed that the most effective response to danger is to march towards it." - Werner von Blomberg
Timeline
1878
Born in Stargard
Werner von Blomberg was born on September 2, 1878, in Stargard, German Empire.
1933
Became Minister of Defense
Blomberg became the Minister of Defense in Adolf Hitlers government, a position he held until 1938.
1936
Promoted to Field Marshal
Blomberg was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest military rank in Germany.
1938
Forced into Retirement
Blomberg was forced into retirement due to a scandal involving his new wife, who had a questionable past.
1946
Died in Nuremberg
Blomberg died on March 14, 1946, while awaiting trial at Nuremberg for war crimes.
Werner von Blomberg

Werner von Blomberg Quiz

Werner von Blomberg held the position of Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the German Armed Forces during which era?

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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.

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