Schlieffen, Alfred von (1833–1913)

German field-marshal. As chief of the German general staff (1891–1905), he greatly developed the German Army manoeuvres, and wrote much on military matters. His Gesammelte Schriften were published in Berlin, Germany, in 1913. He is best known, however, for developing the military theory known as the Schlieffen Plan. Schlieffen was born in Berlin. He distinguished himself in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71.