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Franz GalderChief of the fascist General Staff
Date of Birth: 30.06.1884
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Franz Halder
- World War I and Interwar Years
- Rise in the Nazi Regime
- Chief of Army General Staff
- World War II
- Dismissal and Imprisonment
- Post-War Life
Franz Halder
Early Life and Military CareerFranz Halder was born on 30 June 1884, in Würzburg, Bavaria. He came from a military family, and his father was a Major General. Halder received his education at the Bavarian Military Academy and joined the Bavarian Horse Artillery Regiment in 1902. In 1904, he was promoted to Lieutenant.
World War I and Interwar Years
Halder fought in World War I as a staff officer, rising to the level of Army Group. He received the Iron Cross, 1st and 2nd class, for his bravery. After the war, Halder joined the Reichswehr and held various command and staff positions.
Rise in the Nazi Regime
General Staff OfficerIn 1929, Halder became a staff officer in the Truppenamt, the disguised General Staff of the Reichswehr. From 1931, he served as Chief of Staff of the 6th Military District. In 1934, he commanded the artillery of the 7th Division and then, in 1935, became the commander of the 7th Division.
Chief of Army General Staff
In 1938, Halder was appointed as Chief of the Army General Staff, succeeding General Ludwig Beck. He became a close advisor to Adolf Hitler. While he had reservations about Hitler's plans for war, he remained loyal to his oath as a soldier and executed Hitler's orders.
World War II
Halder played a key role in the planning and execution of Germany's invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union. However, he grew increasingly skeptical of Hitler's leadership as the war progressed. After the German defeat at Moscow in December 1941, Halder's influence waned.
Dismissal and Imprisonment
In September 1942, Halder was dismissed from his position as Chief of Staff and transferred to the Führer Reserve. He was arrested in July 1944 for his alleged involvement in the July Plot to assassinate Hitler. Halder was imprisoned in various concentration camps until his liberation by American troops in May 1945.
Post-War Life
After the war, Halder testified at the Nuremberg Trials. He published his "War Diaries" and became an expert on military history. He also played a role in the development of the new German army, the Bundeswehr. Halder died on 2 April 1972, in Aschau im Chiemgau, Bavaria.
