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Leopold BoyenPrussian Field Marshal, Minister of War of Prussia.
Date of Birth: 20.06.1771
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Hermann von Boyen: Prussian Field Marshal and War Minister
- Military Career
- Role in the Napoleonic Wars
- War Minister
- Recognition and Retirement
Hermann von Boyen: Prussian Field Marshal and War Minister
Early Life and Military TrainingBorn on June 20, 1771, in Kreuzburg, East Prussia (now Slavskoye, Kaliningrad Oblast), Hermann von Boyen joined the Anhalt Infantry Regiment as a cadet in 1784. Despite inadequate formal education, he attended the Königsberg Military Academy as a second lieutenant, where he was influenced by the teachings of Kant and Kraus.
Military Career
Boyen's military career began in earnest in 1794, when he fought against the Kosciuszko Uprising as an adjutant to General von Günther. He was severely wounded at Auerstädt in 1806. In 1807, he became the Prussian delegate to General Tuchkov. After the Treaty of Tilsit, he became a member of the Military Reorganization Commission, where he supported General Scharnhorst's introduction of universal conscription.
Role in the Napoleonic Wars
Boyen advocated for supporting Russia in the Russo-French conflict of 1811. He resigned in 1812 after Prussia allied with France and traveled to Vienna and St. Petersburg. In 1813, he returned to Prussian service and accompanied Kutuzov's headquarters at the outset of the campaign against the French. He commanded the staff of Bülow's 3rd Corps at Lützen, Grossbeeren, Dennewitz, Leipzig, and Paris.
War Minister
After the Treaty of Paris, Boyen became Secretary of War. In 1819, he resigned due to disagreements with King Frederick William III over the management of the Landwehr, a reserve force. He returned to the post in 1841 under Frederick William IV. During his tenure, he established a line of fortifications at Letzen and Osterode and introduced the needle rifle.
Recognition and Retirement
On November 19, 1842, Boyen was named an honorary citizen of Berlin. He retired on October 7, 1847, with the rank of Field Marshal. He died in Berlin on February 5, 1848. Boyen received numerous awards, including the Order of St. George (3rd Class) from Emperor Alexander I of Russia.
