NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Gebhard von Blucher

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher (December 16, 1742 in Rostock (Mecklenburg) - September 12, 1819 in Krieblowitz (Silesia) (now Krobielowice in Poland)), Graf (Count), later elevated to Fürst von Wahlstatt, was a Prussian general who led his army against Napoleon I at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Honorary citizen of Rostock, and Berlin. Blücher bore the nickname "Marschall Vorwärts" ("Field Marshal Forward") because of his approach to warfare. source: http://www. ... source: http://www. ... December 16 is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Events January 24 - Charles VII Albert becomes Holy Roman Emperor. ... Rostock (slavic origin: roztoka) is a city in northern Germany. ... Mecklenburg, located in Northern Germany, was a duchy within the Holy Roman Empire, then divided, and after 1815 two Grand Duchies, then a state, and now part of the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. ... September 12 is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years). ... 1819 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Silesia (Polish Śląsk, German Schlesien, Czech Slezsko) is a historical region in central Europe. ... Graf is a German noble title equal in rank to a count or an earl. ... Definition A count is a nobleman in most European countries, equivalent in rank to a British earl, whose wife is still a countess. Originally the title comes denoted the rank of a high courtier or provincial (military or administrative) official in the late Roman Empire: before Anthemius was made emperor... For Fürst, the German title of nobility that is best translated as Prince, see below. ... Legnickie Pole (German Wahlstatt) is a small village near Legnica in Lower Silesia, Poland. ... The coat of arms of the Kingdom of Prussia, 1701-1918 The word Prussia (German: Preußen or Preussen, Polish: Prusy, Lithuanian: Prūsai, Latin: Borussia) has had various (often contradictory) meanings: The land of the Baltic Prussians (in what is now parts of southern Lithuania, the Kaliningrad exclave of Russia and... General is a military rank, in most nations the highest rank, although some nations have the higher rank of Field Marshal. ... A nations army is its military, or more specifically, all of its land forces. ... For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ... Map of the Waterloo campaign The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, was Napoleon Bonapartes last battle. ... 1815 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Rostock (slavic origin: roztoka) is a city in northern Germany. ... Berlin (pronounced: , German ) is the capital of Germany and its largest city, with 3,426,000 inhabitants (as of January 2005); down from 4. ... WAR is a TLA that could refer to: Warrenton Railroad (AAR reporting mark WAR) Web Application Archive WAR, a Japanese professional wrestling promotion See also: War This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ...

Campaigns

1760: Pomeranian Campaign (as Swedish soldier; captured by Prussia; changed sides)
Seven Years' War
1787: Expedition to Holland with Red Hussars
1793-1794: French campaigns with Red Hussars
1806: Auerstadt, Pomerania, Berlin, Königsberg
1813: Lützen, Bautzen, Katzbach, Möckern, Leipzig
1814: Brienne, La Rothière, Champaubert, Vauxchamps, Montmirail, Laon, Montmartre
1815: Lower Rhine (Ligny), Waterloo

1760 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1787 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... 1793 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1794 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... 1806 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... 1813 is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1814 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... 1815 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

Career

In his fourteenth year he entered the service of Sweden, and in the Pomeranian campaign of 1760 he was taken prisoner by the Prussians. He was persuaded by his captors to enter the Prussian service. Pomerania (Polish: Pomorze, German: Pommern and Pommerellen, Pomeranian (Kashubian): Pòmòrze and Pòmòrskô, Latin: Pomerania, Pomorania) is a geographical and historical region in northern Poland and Germany on the south coasts of the Baltic Sea between and on both sides of the Vistula and Oder (Odra) rivers, reaching the Reknitz river... 1760 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The coat of arms of the Kingdom of Prussia, 1701-1918 The word Prussia (German: Preußen or Preussen, Polish: Prusy, Lithuanian: Prūsai, Latin: Borussia) has had various (often contradictory) meanings: The land of the Baltic Prussians (in what is now parts of southern Lithuania, the Kaliningrad exclave of Russia and...

He took part in the later battles of the Seven Years War, and as a hussar officer gained much experience of light cavalry work. In peace, however, his ardent spirit led him into excesses of all kinds. After he was passed over for promotion he sent in a rude letter of resignation, to which Frederick the Great replied "Der Rittmeister von Blücher kann sich zum Teufel scheren." In German, this phrase can mean either "Captain von Blücher can go to hell" or "Captain von Blücher can get lost for all I care." (1773). This article is about the 1756–1763 war. ... Polish Hussar Hussar (original Hungarian spelling: huszár, plural huszárok) refers to a number of types of cavalry used throughout Europe since the 15th century. ... Frederick II of Prussia (January 24, 1712–August 17, 1786) was a king of Prussia from the Hohenzollern dynasty, reigning from 1740–86. ...

He then settled down to farming, and in fifteen years he had acquired an honorable independence, but he was unable to return to the army until after the death of Frederick the Great. He was then reinstated as a major in his old regiment, the Red Hussars. Frederick the Great Frederick II of Prussia (Friedrich der Große, Frederick the Great, January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was the Hohenzollern king of Prussia 1740–86. ...

He took part in the expedition to Holland in 1787, and in the following year was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. In 1789 he received Prussia's highest military order,the Pour le Mérite, and in 1794 he became colonel of the Red Hussars. In 1793 and 1794 he distinguished himself in cavalry actions against the French, and for his success at Kirrweiler he was promoted to major-general. In 1801 he was promoted lieutenant-general. Holland is the common name in English referring to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (or exclusively its European part)--although this is incorrect from a Dutch perspective. ... A military decoration is a decoration given to military personnel or units for heroism in battle or distinguished service. ... The Pour le Mérite, known informally as the Blue Max, was Germanys highest military order awarded during World War I. The award was first founded in 1740, named in French, the language of the royal court, for merit. ... 1801 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

Blücher monument in front of the University of Rostock's main building, created in collaboration with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

He was one of the leaders of the war party in Prussia in 1805-1806, and served as a cavalry general in the disastrous campaign of the latter year. At Auerstadt Blücher repeatedly charged at the head of the Prussian cavalry, but without success. In the retreat of the broken armies he commanded the rearguard of Prince Hohenlohe's corps, and upon the capitulation of the main body of Prenzlau he led a remnant of the Prussian army away to the north and in the neighborhood of Lübeck fought a series of combats, which, however, ended in his being forced to surrender at Ratkau (November 7, 1806). Blücher insisted that a clause be written in the capitulation document that he had to surrender due to lack of provisions and ammunition. He was soon exchanged for General Victor, and was actively employed in Pomerania, at Berlin, and at Königsberg until the conclusion of the war. monument for Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher in front of the University of Rostock, Germany from German Wikipedia (http://de. ... monument for Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher in front of the University of Rostock, Germany from German Wikipedia (http://de. ... The University of Rostock (German: Universität Rostock) is a university in northern Germany, located in the city of Rostock in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. ... Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (pronounced [gø tə]) (August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832) was a German writer, humanist, scientist, and philosopher. ... 1805 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 1806 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The Battle of Auerstädt, was fought on 14 October 1806, and resulted in a French victory under marshall Davout against the Prussians under General Brunswick. ... Friedrich Ludwig, prince zu Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen Friedrich Ludwig, prince of Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen (1746 - February 15, 1818), Prussian general, was the eldest son of Prince Johann Friedrich (d. ... Surrender is when soldiers give up fighting and become prisoners of war, either as individuals or when ordered to by their officers. ... Claude Victor-Perrin, duke of Belluno (December 7, 1764 - March 1, 1841), marshal of France, was born at La Marche (Vosges). ... Berlin (pronounced: , German ) is the capital of Germany and its largest city, with 3,426,000 inhabitants (as of January 2005); down from 4. ... The name Königsberg can refer to two cities: present-day Kaliningrad in Russia, until 1945 a capital of East Prussia in the former German Empire Königsberg in Bayern, a small city in Bavaria in present-day Germany This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that...

After the war, Blücher was looked upon as the natural leader of the patriot party, with which he was in close touch during the period of Napoleonic domination. His hopes of an alliance with Austria in the war of 1809 were disappointed. In this year he was made general of cavalry. In 1812 he expressed himself so openly on the alliance of Russia with France that he was recalled from his military governorship of Pomerania and virtually banished from the court. Royal court (as distinguished from a court of law) may refer to a number of institutions: A noble court - the household or entourage of a monarch or other ruler The Royal Court of Jersey - the main court of justice of Jersey The Royal Court of Guernsey - the main court of...

Following the start of the 1813 War of Liberation, Blücher was again placed in high command, and he was present at Lützen and Bautzen. During the armistice he worked on the organization of the Prussian forces, and when the war was resumed Blücher became commander-in-chief of the Army of Silesia, with Gneisenau and Muffling as his principal staff officers, and 40,000 Prussians and 50,000 Russians under his command. The Battle of Leipzig (October 16-19, 1813), also called the Battle of the Nations, was the largest conflict in the Napoleonic Wars and the most decisive defeat suffered by Napoleon Bonaparte. ... This Battle of Lützen happened as Napoleons army was on the way home from its Russian disaster. ... The Battle of Bautzen was fought on May 21, French victory under Napoléon Bonaparte against the Kingdom of Prussians and Russians. ... An armistice is the effective end of a war, when the warring parties agree to stop fighting. ... August Wilhelm Anton, Count Neithardt von Gneisenau (27 October 1760 - 24 August 1831) was a Prussian field marshal. ... Friedrich Karl Ferdinand, Freiherr von Müffling, called Weiss (June 12, 1775 - January 10, 1851), Prussian generalfeldmarschall, entered the Prussian army in 1790. ...

The irresolution and divergence of interests usual in allied armies found in him a restless opponent. Knowing that if he could not induce others to co-operate he was prepared to attempt the task in hand by himself often caused other generals to follow his lead. He defeated Marshal Macdonald at the Katzbach, and by his victory over Marmont at Möckern led the way to the decisive overthrow of Napoleon at Leipzig which was taken by Blücher's own army on the evening of the last day of the battle. Etienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre MacDonald Etienne-Jacques-Joseph-Alexandre MacDonald (November 17, 1765 - September 7, 1840), duke of Taranto and marshal of France, was born at Sedan, France. ... Auguste Frédéric Louis Viesse de Marmont, duke of Ragusa ( July 20, 1774 - July 22, 1852), marshal of France, was born at Châtillon-sur-Seine. ... For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ... The Battle of Leipzig (October 16-19, 1813), also called the Battle of the Nations, was the largest conflict in the Napoleonic Wars and the most decisive defeat suffered by Napoleon Bonaparte. ...

On the day of Möckern (October 16, 1813) Blücher was made a field marshal, and after the victory he pursued the French with his accustomed energy. In the winter of 1813-1814 Blücher, with his chief staff officers, was mainly instrumental in inducing the allied sovereigns to carry the war into France itself. October 16 is the 289th day of the year (290th in Leap years). ... 1813 is a common year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ...

The combat of Brienne and the Battle of La Rothière were the chief incidents of the first stage of the celebrated campaign of 1814, and they were quickly followed by the victories of Napoleon over Blücher at Champaubert, Vauxchamps and Montmirail. But the courage of the Prussian leader was undiminished, and his great victory of Laon (March 9 to 10) practically decided the fate of the campaign. The Battle of Brienne was fought on January 29, 1814, and resulted in a French victory under Napoleon Bonaparte against the Russians and Prussians under General Blücher. ... The Battle of Champaubert was fought on February 10, 1814, and resulted in a French victory under Napoleon Bonaparte against Russians and Prussians under General Olsufiev. ... The battle of Montmirail was fought on February 11, 1814 and resulted the victory of the French under Napoleon Bonaparte over the Russians under General Dmitri Sacken and the Prussians under General Johann Yorck. ...

After this Blücher infused some of his own energy into the operations of Prince Schwarzenberg's Army of Bohemia, and at last this army and the Army of Silesia marched in one body directly towards Paris. The victory of Montmartre, the entry of the allies into the French capital, and the overthrow of the First Empire were the direct consequences. Battle of Paris Conflict Napoleonic Wars Date March 30-31, 1814 Place Paris, France Result Allied victory The Battle of Paris was fought during the Napoleonic Wars in 1814. ... The First French Empire, commonly known as the French Empire, the Napoleonic Empire or simply as The Empire, covers the period of the domination of France and of much of continental Europe by Napoleon I of France. ...

Blücher was inclined to make a severe retaliation upon Paris for the calamities that Prussia had suffered from the armies of France had not the allied commanders intervened to prevent it. Blowing up the bridge of Jena was said to be one of his contemplated acts. Map of Germany showing Jena Jena is a town in central Germany on the River Saale. ...

On June 3, 1814 he was made Prince of Wahlstatt (in Silesia on the Katzbach battlefield), and soon afterwards he paid a visit to England, being received everywhere with the greatest enthusiasm. June 3 is the 154th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (155th in leap years), with 211 days remaining. ... 1814 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Legnickie Pole (German Wahlstatt) is a small village near Legnica in Lower Silesia, Poland. ... Silesia (Polish Śląsk, German Schlesien, Czech Slezsko) is a historical region in central Europe. ...

After the war he retired to Silesia, but the return of Napoleon from Elba soon called him to further service. He was put in command of the Army of the Lower Rhine, with General Gneisenau as his chief of staff. In the campaign of 1815 the Prussians sustained a very severe defeat at the outset at Ligny (June 16), in the course of which the old field marshal was ridden over by cavalry charges, his life being saved only by the devotion of his aide-de-camp, Count Nostitz. He was unable to resume command for some hours, and Gneisenau drew off the defeated army. The relations of the Prussian and the English headquarters were at this time very complicated, and it is uncertain whether Blücher himself was responsible for the daring resolution to march to Wellington's assistance. This was in fact done, and after an incredibly severe march Blücher's army intervened with decisive and crushing effect in the Battle of Waterloo. The great victory was converted into a success absolutely decisive of the war by the relentless pursuit of the Prussians, and the allies re-entered Paris on July 7. See Village of Elba, New York and Town of Elba, New York for the locations in the United States. ... 1815 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... An aide-de-camp (French: camp assistant) is a personal assistant, secretary, or adjutant to a person of high rank, usually a senior military officer or a head of state. ... Map of the Waterloo campaign The Battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18, 1815, was Napoleon Bonapartes last battle. ... July 7 is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 177 days remaining. ...

Prince Blücher remained in the French capital for some months, but his age and infirmities compelled him to retire to his Silesian residence at Krieblowitz, where he died aged seventy-seven.

He retained to the end of his life that wildness of character and proneness to excesses which had caused his dismissal from the army in his youth, but however they may be regarded, these faults sprang always from the ardent and vivid temperament which made Blücher a dashing leader of horse. The qualities which made him a great general were his patriotism and the hatred of French domination which inspired every success of the War of Liberation. A War of Liberation is a conflict which is primarily intended to bring freedom or independence to a nation or group. ...

He was twice married, and had, by his first marriage, two sons and a daughter. Statues were erected to his memory at Berlin, Breslau and Rostock. Berlin (pronounced: , German ) is the capital of Germany and its largest city, with 3,426,000 inhabitants (as of January 2005); down from 4. ... Wrocław. ... Rostock (slavic origin: roztoka) is a city in northern Germany. ...

In gratitude for his service at Waterloo and before, an early British locomotive engineer named his invention after Blücher, and Oxford University granted him an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Laws).

This article incorporates text from the public domain 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica. The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... The Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica (1911) in many ways represents the sum of knowledge at the beginning of the 20th century. ...

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Career

Further reading

Campaigns