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Revision as of 13:21, 7 February 2007
Reichsmarschall (Marshal of the Empire in English) was the highest rank in the armed forces of Nazi Germany during World War II.
The rank of Reichsmarschall was originally created before the 12th century, during the time of the Holy Roman Empire. Historically, holding the rank of Reichsmarschall was neither unique nor as prestigious as it was during World War II. During the time of the German Empire and World War I, no one in the German armed forces held this rank.
During World War II, Hermann Göring was the only man to hold the rank of Reichsmarschall, having been promoted in 1940 by Adolph Hitler. Göring, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, held many other prestigious titles, such as Reich Master Hunter, Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the Four Year Plan, and Minister of the Economy.
Hitler appointed Göring to the rank of Reichsmarschall primarily to denote him as senior to the other commanders of the Wehrmacht's general staff. Hitler had chosen Göring as his successor to leadership of the Reich, and one reason for Göring's promotion was so that in the event of Hitler's assassination, a clear line of succession from the military would have already been established.
Footnote
- The term Reichsmarschall is usually not translated in English, being adopted directly from German.