Ludwig Beck

ModernGeneralGermany1880 — 1944

Former army chief, spiritual leader of resistance, executed.

Compare Ludwig Beck with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1880

Died

1944

Country

Germany

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)21

Political (20%)34

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)47

Leadership (15%)44

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score42.9

Ludwig Beck — Complete Timeline

1935 AD

Appointed Chief of the Army General StaffPolitical Action◆ Major

Beck was appointed Chief of the Army General Staff on July 1, 1935. He oversaw the rearmament and expansion of the German army in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. He became increasingly critical of Hitler's aggressive foreign policy.

German ArmyRearmamentGeneral Staff

Impact: global

1938 AD

Resigned as Chief of Staff in ProtestPolitical Action◆ Major

Beck resigned as Chief of the Army General Staff on August 18, 1938, in protest against Hitler's plan to invade Czechoslovakia. He argued the invasion would lead to a war Germany could not win. His resignation was a significant act of military opposition.

German ResistanceCzechoslovakiaResignation

Impact: national

1944 AD

Designated Head of State in the July 20 PlotPolitical Action◆ Major

Beck was designated by the conspirators to become the provisional head of state (Reichsverweser) after Hitler's assassination. He was to lead a new government and negotiate an end to the war. He was arrested at the Bendlerblock on July 20.

July 20 PlotHead of StateCoup Plan

Impact: national

Executed at Plötzensee PrisonPolitical Action◆ Major

Beck was arrested after the failure of the July 20 plot. He was allowed to attempt suicide but failed. He was then executed by firing squad at Pl

July 20 PlotExecutionPlötzensee

Impact: nationaltragic