Friedrich Adam Julius von Bernhardi (November 22, 1849 – July 11, 1930) was a Prussian general and military historian. He was a best-selling author prior to World War I. A militarist, he is perhaps best known for his bellicose book Germany and the Next War, printed in 1911.
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Bernhardi was the son of a Prussian diplomat. He joined the Prussian Army in 1866 and fought in the Franco-Prussian War. After the war, he held a number of staff positions and rose through the ranks to become commander of the VII Army Corps in 1909. However, he retired two years later due to ill health.
Military Writings
Bernhardi was a prolific military writer. His most famous work, Germany and the Next War, was published in 1911. In the book, Bernhardi argued that Germany had a right and responsibility to wage war to gain the power it deserved. He also claimed that war was a necessary and healthy part of human society.
Germany and the Next War
Germany and the Next War was a bestseller in Germany and abroad. It was translated into many languages and widely read by military leaders and policymakers. The book was controversial, and many people condemned Bernhardi's bellicose views. However, it also had a significant impact on German public opinion. Bernhardi's arguments helped to create a climate of militarism in Germany that contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
World War I
At the outbreak of World War I, Bernhardi was recalled to active duty and served as a corps commander on the Eastern Front. He was wounded in action in 1915 and retired from the army shortly thereafter.
Later Life
After the war, Bernhardi returned to writing. He published a number of books and articles on military history and politics. He died in Bad Wildungen, Germany, in 1930.
Legacy
Friedrich von Bernhardi is a controversial figure. He is remembered as a leading advocate of German militarism in the years leading up to World War I. However, he was also a respected military historian and writer. His work continues to be studied by scholars of military history and international relations.
Here are some additional details about Friedrich von Bernhardi:
- He was a strong supporter of German expansionism and believed that Germany had a right to "a place in the sun."
- He was a critic of British foreign policy and believed that Britain was Germany's main enemy.
- He was an admirer of Prussian military tradition and believed that the German army was the best in the world.
- He was a Social Darwinist and believed that war was a natural and necessary part of human progress.
Bernhardi's work has been the subject of much debate. Some historians argue that he was a warmonger who helped to cause World War I. Others argue that he was a realist who simply reflected the prevailing militaristic sentiment in Germany at the time.
