Erich von Falkenhayn was a German military officer and strategist during World War I. Born on November 28, 1861, he served as the Chief of the General Staff from 1914 to 1916. Falkenhayn is best known for his role in planning the Battle of Verdun, one of the war's longest and bloodiest battles, which aimed to wear down French forces. Falkenhayn's strategies often emphasized attrition, seeking to exhaust the enemy's resources. However, his approach faced criticism, and he was eventually replaced by Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff in 1916. He continued to serve in various military roles until the end of the war.