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Reichsmarschall (Reich Marshal in English ) was the highest rank in the German armed forces during World War II, although the rank's origins were from the Holy Roman Empire.
The rank of Reichsmarschall was created at the time of the Holy Roman Empire, before the twelfth century. In that time, holding the title 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 the rank of Reichsmarschall.
During the Third Reich and World War II, Hermann Göring was the only man to hold the title of Reichsmarschall, being promoted in 1940. 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. However, Hitler appointed Göring to the rank of Reichsmarschall primarily to denote Goering as senior to the other commanders of the Naval and General Staff.
Hitler had chosen Göring as his successor to leadership of the Reich and a reason for Göring's promotion was that in the event of Hitler's assassination a clear line of succession from the military would already be established.
Footnote
- The term Reichsmarschall is usually not translated in English, being adopted directly from German.