Heinrich Abeken Biography and Timeline

Birth of Heinrich Abeken

Birth of Heinrich Abeken

Privy Councillor

Appointed Privy Councillor of legation (Geheimer Legationsrath)

Declaration of War

Ordered by William to telegram Bismarck of the telegram received from Gramont. Bismarck uses Abekens telegram to declare war

Role range: 1870-1871

Ems Telegram

Bismarck uses Abekens telegram to declare war

Role range: 1870-1871

Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy

Bismarck took it upon himself to edit the report, sharpening the language. He cut out Wilhelm's conciliatory phrases and emphasized the real issue. The French had made certain demands under threat of war; and Wilhelm had refused them.

Role range: 1870-1871

Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy

Certainly the edit of the telegram, released on the evening of the same day (13 July) to the media and foreign embassies, gave the impression both that Benedetti was rather more demanding and that the King was exceedingly abrupt.

Role range: 1870-1871

Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy

It was designed to give the French the impression that King Wilhelm I had insulted Count Benedetti; likewise, the Germans interpreted the modified dispatch as the Count insulting the King

Role range: 1870-1871

Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy

The King's secretary Heinrich Abeken wrote an account, which was passed on to Otto von Bismarck in Berlin. Wilhelm described Benedetti as "very importunate." The King gave permission to Bismarck to release an account of the events.

Role range: 1870-1871

Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Candidacy

This was no forgery; it was a clear statement of the facts.

Role range: 1870-1871

Death of Heinrich Abeken

Death of Heinrich Abeken