Erich Raeder: Grand Admiral of the Kriegsmarine

Erich Raeder: Grand Admiral of the Kriegsmarine

Erich Raeder was the Grand Admiral of the Kriegsmarine, the German Navy, during World War II. He was a controversial figure, both for his role in the development of the German Navy and for his involvement in the war effort. This article will explore his life and career, examining his rise to power, his role in the development of the German Navy, and his involvement in the war effort. It will also examine his legacy and the impact of his decisions on the course of the war.

Early Life and Career

Erich Raeder was born in 1876 in Wuppertal, Germany. He joined the Imperial German Navy in 1894 and quickly rose through the ranks. He served in World War I, where he commanded a submarine. After the war, Raeder was appointed to the Naval Staff, where he played a key role in the development of the German Navy.

Rise to Power

In 1928, Raeder was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy. He was a strong advocate for the development of a powerful navy, and he believed that Germany needed a strong navy to protect its interests. He oversaw the construction of new warships and submarines, and he also developed a new naval strategy.

World War II

In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and World War II began. Raeder was a key figure in the war effort, and he played a significant role in the development of the German Navy’s strategy. He oversaw the German Navy’s operations in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and he played a key role in the Battle of the Atlantic. However, Raeder was also a controversial figure during the war. He was criticized for his failure to develop a successful strategy to defeat the British Royal Navy, and he was also criticized for his involvement in the Holocaust.

Legacy

Erich Raeder was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant naval strategist, but he was also a ruthless and ambitious leader. He was a key figure in the development of the German Navy, but he was also a significant contributor to the war effort. His legacy is mixed, and he is still remembered today as a controversial figure.

Impact on the Course of the War

Erich Raeder’s decisions had a significant impact on the course of World War II. His decision to focus on building a powerful surface fleet, rather than a large submarine fleet, was a strategic mistake. This decision ultimately contributed to Germany’s defeat in the Battle of the Atlantic. However, Raeder’s development of a new naval strategy, which emphasized the use of submarines and surface raiders, was a key factor in Germany’s early successes in the war.

Conclusion

Erich Raeder was a complex and controversial figure who played a significant role in the development of the German Navy and in the course of World War II. His legacy is mixed, and he is still remembered today as a controversial figure.