Erich Ludendorff

As chief of staff to Hindenburg, Ludendorff planned the encirclement and destruction of the Russian Second Army. The victory established his reputation as a brilliant military strategist and made him a national hero.

Ludendorff was appointed First Quartermaster General of the German Army, effectively becoming the deputy to Hindenburg and the de facto military dictator of Germany. He directed all military and much civilian policy for the remainder of the war.

Ludendorff and Hindenburg convinced the German government to resume unrestricted submarine warfare, despite the risk of drawing the United States into the war. This decision led to the US declaration of war in April 1917.

Ludendorff planned and launched a series of massive German offensives on the Western Front, aiming to win the war before American forces arrived. The offensives initially gained ground but ultimately failed due to Allied resistance and logistical problems.

After the German collapse and armistice, Ludendorff fled to Sweden in disguise, fearing retribution. He later returned to Germany and became involved in far-right political movements, including the Kapp Putsch.

Ludendorff marched alongside Adolf Hitler and other Nazis in the failed Beer Hall Putsch in Munich. He was later acquitted of treason charges, but his involvement linked him to the early Nazi movement.