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'''Erich Friedrich Wilhelm Ludendorff''' (9 April 1865 – 20 December 1937) was a general and the top German policymaker during the last two years of [[World War I]]. He later developed the "stab in the back" theory that blamed Jews for defeat and served as figurehead for the Nazi [[Beer Hall Putsch]] of 1923.

'''Erich Friedrich Wilhelm Ludendorff''' (9 April 1865 – 20 December 1937) was a general and the top German policymaker during the last two years of [[World War I]]. He later developed the "stab in the back" theory that blamed Jews for defeat and served as figurehead for the Nazi [[Beer Hall Putsch]] of 1923.

As head of the German General Staff's 2nd division from 1908 to 1913 Ludendorff was responsible for war planning. The so-called Schlieffen Plan to invade France through Belgium was developed at this time. The plan was put into operation in 1914 when [[World War I]] broke out.

As head of the German General Staff's 2nd division from 1908 to 1913 Ludendorff was responsible for war planning. The so-called Schlieffen Plan to invade France through Belgium was developed at this time. The plan was put into operation in 1914 when World War I broke out.

As chief of staff for General [[Paul von Hindenburg]], Ludendorff led German forces to victory over the Russians in the battles of [[Battle of Tannenberg|Tannenberg]] and [[Masurian Lakes]]. He and Hindenburg were named the top German commanders in August 1916. By 1917, Ludendorff was the most powerful man in the German government. H.L Mencken, a war reporter at this time, wrote:

As chief of staff for General [[Paul von Hindenburg]], Ludendorff led German forces to victory over the Russians in the battles of [[Battle of Tannenberg|Tannenberg]] and [[Masurian Lakes]]. He and Hindenburg were named the top German commanders in August 1916. By 1917, Ludendorff was the most powerful man in the German government. H.L Mencken, a war reporter at this time, wrote: