Franco-Prussian War Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

statue (leipzig 1888–1946). statue torn down after communists took power.

moltke again planned , led prussian armies in franco-prussian war (1870–71), paved way creation of prussian-led german empire in 1871. aspects of such war had occupied moltke s attention continuously since 1857; documents published after death show many times considered such war , best arrangement of prussian or german forces such campaign. arrangements transport of army railway revised annually in order suit changes in plans brought political conditions , growth of army, improvement of prussian system of railways.

the successes of 1866 had strengthened moltke s position, when on july 5, 1870, order mobilization of prussian , south german forces issued, plans adopted without dispute. 5 days later appointed chief of staff of army duration of war. gave moltke right issue orders equivalent royal commands.

moltke s plan assemble whole army south of mainz, being 1 district in single army secure defence of whole frontier. if french disregarded neutrality of belgium , luxembourg, , advanced towards cologne (or other point on lower rhine), german army able strike @ flank. @ same time rhine itself, fortresses of koblenz, cologne , wesel, serious obstacle in path. if french should attempt invade south germany, advance germans rhine river threaten communications. moltke expected french compelled direction of railways collect greater part of army near metz, , smaller portion near strasbourg.

the german forces grouped 3 armies: first of 60,000 men under steinmetz, on moselle below trier; second of 130,000 men, under prince friedrich karl of prussia, around homburg (with reserve of 60,000 men behind them); third under crown prince frederick of 130,000 men, @ landau. 3 army corps held in north-eastern germany, in case austria-hungary should make common cause france.

moltke s plan 3 armies, while advancing, should make right wheel, first army on right reach bank of moselle opposite metz, while second , third armies should push forward, third army defeat french force near strasbourg, , second strike moselle near pont-à-mousson. if french army should found in front of second army, attacked in front second army , in flank first or third (or both). if should found on or north of line saarburg lunéville, still attacked 2 sides second , third armies in co-operation. intention of great right wheel attack principal french army in such direction drive north , cut communications paris. fortress of metz monitored, , main german forces, after defeating chief french army, march against paris.

this plan carried out in broad outlines. battle of wörth brought on prematurely, , therefore led, not capture of macmahon s army, intended, defeat , hasty retreat far châlons. battle of spicheren not intended moltke, wished keep bazaine s army on saar until attack second army in front , first army on left flank. these unexpected victories did not disconcert moltke, carried out intended advance pont-mousson, crossed moselle first , second armies, faced north , wheeled round, effect of battle of gravelotte drive bazaine fortress of metz , cut him off paris.

nothing shows moltke s insight , strength of purpose in clearer light determination attack on 18 august, @ battle of gravelotte, when other strategists have thought that, strategic victory having been gained, tactical victory unnecessary. has been blamed last attack of gravelotte, in there fruitless heavy loss; known attack ordered king, , moltke blamed himself not having used influence prevent it.

during night following battle moltke left 1 army invest bazaine @ metz, , set out 2 others march towards paris, more southerly 1 leading, when macmahon s army should found main blow might delivered south , macmahon driven north. on august 25 found macmahon moving north-east relief of bazaine. moment moltke satisfied of accuracy of information, ordered german columns turn faces north instead of west. macmahon s right wing attacked @ beaumont while attempting cross meuse, advance abandoned, , army difficulty collected @ sedan.

at battle of sedan, 2 german armies surrounded french army, on september 1 attacked multiple sides , compelled surrender. moltke resumed advance on paris, surrounded.

from time moltke s strategy remarkable judicious economy of force, wise enough never attempt more practicable means @ disposal. surrender of metz , of paris question of time, , problem was, while maintaining sieges, able ward off attacks of new french armies levied purpose of raising siege of paris. siege of metz ended surrender on october 27.

on january 28, 1871, armistice concluded @ versailles garrison became virtually prisoners , war ended.