Moltke, Helmuth Johannes Ludwig von (1848–1916)

German general (nephew of Count von Moltke, the Prussian general), chief of the German general staff 1906–14. His use of General Alfred von Schlieffen's (1833–1913) plan for a rapid victory on two fronts failed and he was relieved of command after the defeat at the Marne.

Despite warnings from other staff officers, he made several modifications to the Schlieffen Plan which severely diluted its effect. Once operations had begun he failed to keep in contact with the various formations, delayed decisions, shifted troops from one flank to another, withdrew others to reinforce the Eastern Front, and in general showed himself to be incapable of discharging the duties of his office.