Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck
Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck was a German military officer known for his leadership during World War I. Born on March 20, 1870, in Saarlouis, Germany, he is most famous for his command of the German forces in German East Africa (now Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi) during the war.
Early Life and Military Career
World War I
At the outbreak of World War I, Lettow-Vorbeck was in charge of the Schutztruppe, the small colonial force in German East Africa. His strategy was to keep as many British, Belgian, and Portuguese troops as possible engaged in Africa, thus diverting them from the European fronts:
- He waged a guerrilla campaign, using the vastness of East Africa to his advantage.
- His forces, though outnumbered, managed to evade capture for the entire duration of the war, even after the armistice on the Western Front was signed.
- Notably, his campaign was one of the few German successes in the war, and he surrendered only after receiving the news of the armistice in Europe in November 1918.
Post-War Life
- After the war, Lettow-Vorbeck was celebrated as a hero in Germany. However, his political views often put him at odds with the Weimar Republic.
- He was involved in the Kapp Putsch, a failed coup against the Weimar government in 1920.
- Despite his nationalist sentiments, he opposed the Nazi Party and was critical of Adolf Hitler, which led to his marginalization during the Nazi era.
- He retired from the military in 1926 but continued to write about his experiences and military strategy.
Legacy
- Lettow-Vorbeck's tactics in guerrilla warfare are studied in military academies.
- He is often remembered for his tenacious defense of German East Africa and his ability to sustain his forces through local resources and captured supplies.
- His conduct during the war was noted for its adherence to the laws of war, earning him respect even from his adversaries.
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