Kronprinz Rupprecht von Bayern im Ersten Weltkrieg

Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria (1869–1955) was son of King Ludwig III and great-grandson of Ludwig I of Bavaria. He was during the First World War commander on the Western Front, first heading an army and from 1916 onwards, an army group which was named after him. He commanded in 1918 up to 1,5 million soldiers. The prince was one of the most prominent leaders of the German Armies during the Great War. Being the heir to the Bavarian throne, he had also political influence and was standing partially outside of the military hierarchy. This article analyzes how the prince experienced the war, if his command was real or merely decorative, how he saw the military and political options of Germany and what he did to make his opinion to be heard. It asks also about his reflection after 1918. The contribution is based on archival material, especially his 4200-pages handwritten war diary, and his extended correspondence.