Boyen, Hermann von [key], 1771–1848, Prussian field marshal. After the Prussian defeat by Emperor Napoleon I and the disastrous treaties of Tilsit in 1807 (see Sovetsk), he assisted Scharnhorst in the reorganization of the Prussian army. As chief of staff to F. W. von Bülow, he fought (1813–14) against the French in the War of Liberation, and as minister of war (1814–19) he completed the reforms that were initiated earlier. His measures, including the introduction of general conscription and the development of a national guard, formed the basis of Prussian military strength. He was again minister of war from 1841 to 1847.
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