Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Paulus (23 September 1890 – 1 February 1957) was a German field marshal during World War II who is best known for commanding the 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad (August 1942 to February 1943). The battle ended in disaster for the Wehrmacht when Soviet forces encircled the Germans within the city, leading to the ultimate defeat and capture of about 265,000 German personnel, their Axis allies and collaborators.
Paulus fought in World War I and saw action in France and the Balkans. He was considered a promising officer; by the time World War II broke out he had been promoted to major general. Paulus took part in the Poland and Low Countries campaigns, after which he was named deputy chief of the German Army General Staff. In that capacity, Paulus helped plan the invasion of the Soviet Union.
In 1942, Paulus was given command of the 6th Army despite his lack of field experience. He led the drive to Stalingrad but was cut off and surrounded in the subsequent Soviet counter-offensive. Adolf Hitler prohibited attempts to break out or capitulate, and German defence was gradually worn down. Paulus surrendered in Stalingrad on 31 January 1943, the same day on which he was informed of his promotion to field marshal by Hitler. Hitler expected Paulus to commit suicide, repeating to his staff that there was no precedent of a German field marshal ever being captured alive.
While in Soviet captivity during the war, Paulus became a vocal critic of the Nazi regime and joined the Soviet-sponsored National Committee for a Free Germany. In 1953, Paulus moved to East Germany, where he worked in military history research, having a decisive role in the development of the myth of the clean Wehrmacht. He lived out the rest of his life in Dresden.
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Some of their strengths
Friedrich Paulus has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Imaginative, Generous, Energetic, Intelligent, Kind, Diplomatic, and Passionate.
Intelligent and Inquisitive
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Friedrich Paulus is someone who is an intelligent, inquisitive, and imaginative person, who is practical, considerate, kind, and diplomatic in dealings with others. A person who is known for being fun and creative.
Charming and Sophisticated
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Friedrich Paulus well know them as someone who can be classy, glamorous, and worldly, like jewelry.
Productive and Perseverent
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Friedrich Paulus as someone who is productive, persevering, deliberate, and direct.
A person who is creative, has good luck with work and money, good listening skills, good relationships with people at work, is a good teacher or counselor, and who is good at organizing groups, teams, or causes.
Charismatic and Playful
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Friedrich Paulus is someone who is used to being the center of attention, and who has a playful approach to dealing with life.
They are also someone who is creative, expressive, and insightful, and who has a pioneering spirit with self-determination and natural artistic expression.
Justice-seeking and Peaceful
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Friedrich Paulus tends to be someone who loves peace and is ready to go to any costs to achieve it. Who has a taste for the good things in life, tends to be a good organizer, has a thirst for knowledge, and who tends to have the respect of friends and acquaintances.
Some of Friedrich Paulus's challenges
While Friedrich Paulus has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Friedrich Paulus can be Stubborn, Hesitant, Narcissistic, Suspicious, Hypocritical, Self-centered, and Possessive.
Hesitant and Narcissistic
One of Friedrich Paulus's key challenges is that they are someone who can be hesitant and narcissistic.
Friedrich Paulus must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive.
Possessive and Stubborn
Friedrich Paulus is someone who can be possessive, jealous, inflexible, and stubborn, can have a habit of being a frivolous spender, and who can feel insecure or cynical in romantic relationships and have difficulty forming productive personal and professional partnerships.
Pleasure-seeking and Indecisive
Finally, Friedrich Paulus also can put others first too much, and hem-and-haw too much when making a decision.