Erich Ludendorff

Profession: German WWI General

Nationality:

Biography: During World War I, Ludendorff and his superior Paul von Hindenburg controlled German war efforts for the duration of the conflict. His greatest victories included the Battle of Liège and the Battle of Tannenberg.

As the war progressed and German defeated neared, Ludendorff resigned his position in October 1918, a month before the country formally capitulated. Later in the war he became a prominent nationalist leader and helped propagate the 'stab-in-the-back myth' of how the war ended.

Though he was a nationalist leader and took part in the Beer Hall Putsch he came to despise Adolf Hitler after he seized power in 1933.

Writing to Hindenburg after the latter's decision to appoint Hitler as Chancellor, he said "I solemnly prophesy that this accursed man will cast our Reich into the abyss and bring our nation to inconceivable misery. Future generations will damn you in your grave for what you have done."

Born: April 9, 1865
Birthplace: Kruszewnia, Prussia
Star Sign: Aries

Died: December 20, 1937 (aged 72)
Cause of Death: Liver cancer