On December 20, 1937, Erich Ludendorff, a German general and military theorist, died at the age of 72. Ludendorff was born in 1865, and studied law and history before joining Germany's military in 1885. During World War I, he served as Quartermaster General, a post that saw him exercise significant influence over Germany's war strategies. He also helped instigate the failed German revolution of 1918. Following the war, Ludendorff continued to be active in politics, publishing several books and involved himself in the monarchist movement in the Weimar Republic. In 1924, he was injured in an assassination attempt but survived. Ludendorff left an enduring legacy in Germany and beyond as one of the most notable military theorists of the early 20th century. He wrote extensively during and after the war, advocating a total war and total mobilization of Germany’s resources in the fight against military foes. He passed away in Munich, Germany, on December 20, 1937.