Duelist

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This chapter explores Erich Ludendorff’s real political power and his participation in political intrigues. Ludendorff remained an important part of a symbolic and political struggle for influence in German political culture. He was notoriously combative and fought publicly with many notable Germans of the era, from a lingering wartime feud with Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, to sparring matches with intellectuals such as Hans von Delbrück and Max Weber. The chapter then highlights Ludendorff’s most significant interaction with Paul von Hindenburg and Adolf Hitler. Ludendorff’s separate but related battles with Hindenburg and Hitler to have his narrative of the war and revolution prevail and to have his vision guide Germany’s future most determined his significance for German political culture. As it became one of Ludendorff’s many obsessions later in life to insist that he alone was responsible for the great victories at Liège and Tannenberg, the chapter explores how the battles became a metaphor for his promotion of German freedom through Deutsche Gotterkenntnis. Ultimately, the chapter discusses Ludendorff’s reputation as the victor of Tannenberg and his direct struggle with Paul von Hindenburg over its symbolic power.