Questions of military leadership based on the case of the First World War Austro-Hungarian General Corps

Abstract

The efficiency of the ordinary leadership and generalship skills of the Austro-Hungarian generals was hindered by many factors during the First World War. Numerous leadership mistakes were committed by both Chief of the General Staffs (Field Marshall Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf and Colonel General Arthur Arz von Straussenburg) who lead the armed forces during the war years. Those who were either ill-suited for leadership positions, or had failed as military leaders were mostly replaced back in 1914. The performance of the corps of generals, which only suffered 25 casualties during the war, is altogether acceptable, however, their actions could not significantly influence the final outcome of the Great War.