[3] It was called the 1st Infantry Division from 1848 to 1851 (as well as during wartime) and was named the Munich General Command from 1859 to 1869.

It fought in the Battle of the Frontiers against French forces in the early stages, and then participated in the Race to the Sea.

Thereafter, it remained on the northern part of the front facing the British Army through 1915 and early 1916.

Divisions received engineer companies and other support units from their higher headquarters.

Divisional signals commanders were established to better control communications, a major problem in coordinating infantry and artillery operations during the war.