Friedrich von Bernhardi 
(22.11.1849 - 11.12.1930)
place of birth:  St. Petersburg, Russia


Born of Estonian-German parents, his family moved from Russia to Germany when he was two years old. His father Theodor was a diplomat and Prussian historian with close connections at the highest levels of Prussia's military and political elite. Friedrich's mother was the daughter of Russian Admiral Krusenstern. 

Von Bernhardi began his military career as a Prussian cavalry officer serving in the 14. Husar-Regiment in Kassel. With that unit, he later saw action in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, and was reputed to be the first German to ride through the Arc de Triomphe when the Prussians entered Paris. He served on the general staff as head of war history section (1898-1901) and during the Great War was active on both fronts, most notably at the Battles of Armentieres. Bernhardi is best known as an outstanding military writer who authored Germany and the Next War, widely publicized by the Allies as an example of German ambition. Awarded Pour le Merite in 1916. Von Bernhardi died on 11 December 1930 at his family estate in Kunnersdorf, Silesia.

"...strength is the highest right, and the legal dispute will be decided by the measure of strength  -- war --  which always decides biologically and therefore fairly."                General Friedrich von Bernhardi