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Blood and Iron: From Bismarck to Hitler the Von Moltke Family's Impact on German History

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In the relatively brief history of Germany as a unitary state (131 years old this year), few non-royal families have played as important a role as the von Moltke family. In a time when the 'sweeping family saga' is a popular fiction genre, the fact that this story isn't only true, but also extremely well written, should commend it to any reader with an interest in European history.

Of course, the von Moltke family's impact actually reaches back before the Reich into the history of Prussia. The first of three men Otto Friedrich focuses on, Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke (1800-1891), was Prussia's key military strategist during the Franco-Prussian War, and possibly Germany's greatest strategist ever, surpassing even his friend and mentor, Clausewitz. His nephew and namesake, General Helmuth von Moltke (1848-1916), on the other hand, was nervous, indecisive, and largely unable to deal with the responsibilities of command that came to him in part due to his famous name. The third Helmuth, Count Helmuth James von Moltke (1907-1945), was one of nature's noblemen. A liberal (in the European sense), he was actively involved in the opposition to Hitler and Nazism -- a fact that led to his execution shortly before the Reich's own collapse. The letters Helmuth James wrote from prison, to his wife most notably, but to others as well, are deeply moving, and filled with a Christian spirit that reminded me of St Paul's own epistles from prison.

Otto Friedrich is a tremendously skilled historian, and also an excellent writer. 'Blood and Iron' is well documented, logically presented, and also very readable. Plus, he's not afraid to share his opinions and interpretations, most particularly in 'A Note on Sources' following the close of the narrative. His insights there on other documents and histories are well worth reading. As, indeed, is this entire book. I recommend it very highly.

This highly readable book focuses specifically on the lives of 3 male Von Moltke with Prussian backgrounds-2 military and one with civilian influences.The beginning traces the family roots which find the family mainly in Denmark and Prussia(pre-Germany) during the 1100's AD and after.The family during this period is aristocratic and strongly military influenced sort of a "warlord for hire" type.
The first Von Moltke covered in the book whose carreer encompasses almost 2/3 of the book,is the hero of the Franco-Prussian War(1871)Field Marshall Helmuth Karl Von Moltke.The Field Marshal was the "genius " behind the WArs of German Unity throughout the 1840's -1860's.Fascinatingly enough he was 71 years old at the time of the war. At this time there was no Germany per-se,just a few powerful German speaking nation states of which Prussia came to dominate over due to its economic power and its potent army.Relations between France and Germany at this time are anything but friendly with a history of both declaring war on each other so many times it's hard to assess blame.England sort of sits back and let them fight it out without interference as long as neither France nor the German states dominate Europe.Helmuth does not come across as someone who glorifies in militaristic options but does not back down from a threat either.The book goes into detail about the Field Marshal's life in regard to the formation of modern Germany and discusses Bismarck and Nietzche. The epithet on the Field Marshals' tombstone reads"Love is the fulfilling of the law". This would show how distant he would be from the National Socialists of the 1930's.Ironically his grave was purportedly looted by Gypsies after WW2 to obtain metal for repairing pans.
The second Moltke covered is a nephew Helmuth Johannes who often receives the blame for the German disaster at the first battle of the Marne(1915).The author spends alot of time going over Moltke's correspondence in regard to mobilization of the German army after the assasination of Archduke Ferdinand.He focuses on how Helmuth John tried to avoid the mobilizations but when he saw the die was cast for the war he put German interests first.Helmuth John on numerous occasions refused to accept command and the author gives proof that Helmuth had command pushed upon him rather than he himself seeking it.After the 1st Marne where Germany was stalemated/defeated Helmuth Johannes health broke and he died shortly after.It seems as if the responsibility and unsureness of the need for the war finished him,or so implies the author.This shows how sensitive in fact the VonMoltkes were,and didn't take war as a pleasure or game!
The final Moltke covered is Helmuth James who was executed in 1945 for speaking against Hitler. What's interesting as the author points out is that Helmuth James was a very early critic of the Nazis but he more or less got away his comments until the Nazis began losing the war. The author says that Helmuth James had that aristocratic "artsy" love for freedom and the critical,thoughtful, expression of it.The Nazis sort of left him alone as a "cracked artist" until they disastrously began losing the war,then Helmuth James became more of a prophet. Everyone knows what happens to prophets if they're right!!I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book about a real German family of real patriots.The cynical barbs of Nietzche lightly sprinkled throughout the book,add to the enjoyment.

In "Blood & Iron: From Bismarck to Hitler the Von Moltke Family's Impact on German History" Otto Friedrich offers a stirring and insightful portrait into one family's political and military connection to Germany. The book traces three generations of Von Moltkes, from the famed field marshal whose mighty Prussian Army united Germany, to his nephew the general who failed to win the First World War in its opening weeks, to his grand nephew who was arrested and executed as a resister to Adolf Hitler.

The book is well-written and contains a strong narrative for all three subjects, with the second von Moltke receiving the fewest pages. Helmuth Carl Bernhard von Moltke is presented in all of his military glory as the founder of the modern German military and the reformer of the General Staff system. Friedrich traces his rise in the Prussian officer corps then illustrates his brilliance as he participated in and directed the three wars of German unification in the 19th century.

Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von Moltke is described as "The Nervous Nephew" for his indecision at the outbreak of World War One. His reluctance to take up the mantle held by his uncle as Chief of the General Staff is considered by the author as is the disaster that occurred on the Marne in 1914 after the Kaiser insisted that he did. While one feels profound admiration for the first von Moltke, one feels nothing but pity for his nephew.

Helmuth James von Moltke deserves a place alongside Stauffenberg, Scholl, and the other brave resisters to Hitler's tyranny. The evolution of Moltke's opposition to the Nazi regime is chronicled, as is his eventual discovery and arrest. Friedrich offers with sympathy and awe a man driven by conscience and Christian duty to resist Nazism and help plan for a future without Hitler.

This book is fine addition to any library on German history and is a delight to read. I highly recommend it.

This was an excellent book, easy to read but full of very good detail. The Franco-Prussian war was well done, and would make a good survey to move onto Michael Howard's book should one wish. The only flaw I noticed was that the Count seemed rather two dimensional. His early life was not described that well, and it was hard for me to get a handle on how he arrived at his opposition to the regime. But, highly recommended none the less!

It's a fascinating book that looks at one family's enormous impact on the history and psyche of Germany from the late 1800s through the WW II. Looking at three men from three generations of German (Prussian) nobles, you can trace the ascendency of Germany in the 1800s, its near domination of Europe during WW I, and then the seeds of its downfall during WW II.

I bought the book because I was moving to Germany and wanted to know more than the basic history known by most Americans. I found this book at Powells and read it with great enjoyment. The author, former Time's editor I believe, did an excellent job balancing details with the flow of the writing.

OK! I haven't read this book, but have noted the comments on the chief of staff, Helmut von Moltke (WW1). No comments seem to have been addressed to the fact that the "Lighning Attack" plan for mobilization for war (the Schlieffen plan) had in all probability been compromised by the Austrian double-triple agent Colonel Alfred Victor Redl of the Austrian General Staff Corps. Also, in the field the "perfect plan" folded as "
the German Armies failed to envelop the French and British forces. General von Kluck failed to obey orders. He was tempted into attacking the exposed flank of the retreating French army and he wheeled round in front of Paris instead of going behind it-attempting his own personal glory. His tactical error left a treacherous gap between the advancing German columns, but also exposed his own troops to a fierce counter-attack from the more flexible French and British Corps. The German troops were exhausted after their long advance, supplies were short and the tactical situation had become confused. General von Moltke was aware of the acute need for a reserve army corp to fill the gaps between his wildly wheeling armies, but there weren't any to spare because they had been sent to the Eastern front to deal with the situation developing against the Russians. With further unfortunate and ludicrous mishaps Colonel Hentsche ordered a temporary withdrawl across the Marne for a short regrouping instead of making the order to make an immediate advance. Thus, it was impossible to have a lightning victory (less loss of lives both sides). This was the turning point of WW1" from "The Spear of Destiny" by Trevor Ravenscroft 1973, ISBN0-87728-547-0

There would be no German today as we know it without the Moltke Family. Their personal history is the history of the rise and fall of Germany. Friedrich's style is so fluid and engaging that the dead come to life, the scenes from all across Europe emerge. If you want to understand German history, this is the place to start.

Book in wonderful condition, very rapid delivery