Karl von Bülow was born on 24th April 1846. He was a veteran Prussian officer and served in the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).

On the outbreak of the First World War he was placed in command of the German Second Army that invaded Belgium. He was later criticized for failing to exploit early victories against the retreating French Army.

He remained in control of the German Army on the Western Front and was promoted to field marshal in January 1915. After a heart-attack in March 1915, he returned to Germany and retired from the army in 1916.

Karl von Bülow died in Berlin on 31st August 1921.