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Reichsmarschall (Marshal of the Empire or Imperial Marshal 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 Adolf 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. However, Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz was specifically appointed as Hitler's successor by Hitler himself on or before April 30, 1945 (Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz was only notified of his appointment as successor on January 5, 1945 by Martin Bormann and Joseph Goebbels).
Footnote
- The term Reichsmarschall is usually not translated in English, being adopted directly from German.