Introduction
Due to the numerous ways in which he reorganized the army, Baron von Steuben was crucial in ensuring the success of the Patriot conflict. He introduced novel, highly advanced drill methods as a former Prussian military officer. In place of the British and Patriots' drill methods, Baron von Steuben introduced fresh methods for formulating and carrying out army strategies to win the conflict. The introduction of new, effective, and efficient methods of firing, reloading, and discipline among the Patriots through interaction with leaders like Alexander Hamilton was crucial in securing the war. Therefore, this paper will examine the main ways in which I agree that Baron von Steuben changed the patriot army and translated into war in the Revolutionary war.
Baron von Steuben's Analysis of the Patriot Army
Baron von Steuben was astute in his analysis of the patriot army (Weigley, 26). Through interacting with the soldiers, there was the realization that the British techniques for drill coupled with discipline would not be effective in the American society. Further, there was the problem in the assigning of roles of drill coupled with discipline in the American army which was left to the sergeants. Therefore, through his keenness in comprehending the need for a disciplined and well-trained army, he incorporated techniques learned in the Prussian army. As such, deemed by Elliott, (107) as the “right man in the right place” he was given the role of inspector general in 1778 by Washington. The new role was a pivotal milestone for Baron von Steuben’s vision of transforming the patriot army to a well drilled and disciplined army.
Development of an Effective and Competent Army
As such, in the development of an effective and competent army, Baron von Steuben commenced his initiatives through focusing on the most effective and efficient aspects adopted in European armies. There was the introduction of the standard of practice in regards to training, drill, and discipline. The evident changes were focused on ensuring that the ragtag Patriots become a model company that can face any European army. In accordance to Weigley, (27) there was a significant change in the manner in which the soldiers held the bayonet and musket that played a pivotal role in defeating the British army. Through the “manual exercise” of handling the various weapons, Elliott, (108) emphasizes that it played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Patriots could effectively face the British army in a fast and effective manner. Ensuring that the army could reload their muskets quickly translated into the saving of lives and tackling the British army in a disciplined manner. Further, the introduction of discipline in handling the muskets and bayonets led to the emergence of the independent character that was evident among the patriots in the revolutionary war that shocked their British counterparts.
The Aggressive Pace of Training
Elliott, (108) believes that the aggressive pace in which Baron von Steuben adopted in the training of the Patriots played a pivotal role in ensuring that a patriot army was more trained than the British army. As such, after the introduction of the basic training, there was the expansion of the program towards the introduction of sub-inspectors to aggressively train the soldiers. He took less than a month to have entire regiments that were successful at drilling as whole units. The level of expertise in drilling made a positive impression on Washington that he made sure that there was a ban to the other drills to pave the way for the model drill of Baron von Steuben. Despite the skepticism of various individuals in the army, Postol, (102) emphasizes that it was the dedication, experience coupled with the adaptability of Baron von Steuben that enabled him to train the entire patriot army within a brief moment. The effectiveness of the training campaign was evidenced when 2000 men under Brigadier Lafayette came under British company. As such, the British company composed of 10000 men tried to corner the Americans but using the techniques taught by Baron von Steuben, the Americans manage to outmaneuver their enemy (Elliott, 109). Further, in the instance that signals ran out to the rest of the army at Valley Forge, it took less than fifteen minutes for the Patriots to be prepared for action and form a formidable line of battle.
The Battle at Valley Forge
The battle at Valley Forge played a significant role towards cementing the importance of Baron von Steuben towards the revolutionary war. As such, his emphasis on drill and discipline led to his appointment as a Major General. Most importantly, his training program was adopted into the publication that could be adopted across the entire continental army (Postol, 113). The manifestation of the importance of Baron von Steuben's role in securing war continued to be evident in various battles. Among the battles include Monmouth, Cowpens, and Guilford Court House. The tactical maneuvers shocked the British army who had assumed the Patriots to be just ragtag farmers out to seek independence. In reference to Elliott, (108) despite Baron von Steuben receiving the field command role in 1780, the various victories in different battles formed the true legacy of his key role in securing war for the Patriots.
Conclusion
Discipline and drill techniques were among the most important aspects that Baron von Steuben introduced to the American army. As two significant facets of the army, his role was fundamental towards ensuring an effective and efficient patriot army developed. As such, the emphasis on various techniques on the battlefront set forth the path to great victories among the patriot in the revolutionary. The training programs, the model for discipline and drill ensured that the patriot army became a model company in the revolutionary war.
Works cited
Elliott, S. (2017). Hills, Huts, and Horse-Teams: The New Jersey Environment and Continental Army Winter Encampments, 1778-1780. New Jersey Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 3(1), 107-136.
Postol, Megan Plete. Around Remsen and Steuben. Arcadia Publishing: New York, (2016).
Weigley, Russell F. Towards an American Army: Military Thought from Washington to Marshall. Pickle Partners Publishing, (2016).
