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The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army
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“A terrific biography….The dramatic story of how the American army that beat the British was forged has never been better told than in this remarkable book.”
—Doris Kearns Goodwin, New York Times bestselling author of Team of Rivals
The true story of the Baron de Steuben and the making of the American Army, The Drillmaster of Valley Forge is the first biography in half a ce ...more
—Doris Kearns Goodwin, New York Times bestselling author of Team of Rivals
The true story of the Baron de Steuben and the making of the American Army, The Drillmaster of Valley Forge is the first biography in half a ce ...more
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Paul Lockhart does an excellent history on how the American Army was molded during the revolution and the man whose tireless zeal and boundless energy made it happen. Often overlooked in American history the Baron de Steuben's contributions to the colonies war effort were truly astounding. It is about time we get an updated book that reassess those contributions and shows the work he did not just at Valley Forge but beyond. This book is not just a military history though and goes into the highly
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overly positive, but fascinating look at the Prussian striver who turned the continentals into a revolutionary enlightenment-era army.
A well-written and evenhanded biography of Steuben. Although most books don’t mention much beside his activity at Valley Forge, Lockhart gives us a great history of this colorful figure and his times. He gives us a great portrait of the baron himself, who as Lockhart shows, was quite flexible when it came to the facts of his backstory. He nevertheless demonstrated a mastery of military training and tactics. Even though he deceived everyone in order to get his job, he turned out to be pretty good
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I had some knowledge in passing of Baron de Steuben before reading this book, and remembered that he had contributed to the success of the American Revolution. After reading this book I now know that he contributed mightily to the ultimate victory of the fledgling country over the British. The author does an outstanding job of making Steuben a real flesh and blood person, and doesn't gloss over his flaws, although they were clearly overshadowed by his strengths. This country owes a lot to him an
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Excellent, well-written biography of de Steuben and the history of his contributions to the U.S. Army's discipline, organization, and defeat of the British. The most striking thought that I take away from the book is a key difference between the army and navy given civilian control of the military. Since the navy operates in an inherently unfamiliar environment, civilians are much less likely to think they understand naval operations. However, because the army often operates in close proximity t
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Really enjoyed this book! The author gave a very detailed account of what is known of the Baron de Steuben's life, but more importantly provided a fantastic sketch of his legacy to the US military. So much of the current structure, organization and training is based on his ideas and the institutions he created. It was a fascinating read and also gives insights into other historical figures in US history, specifically Washington, Hamilton and LaFayette. Highly recommend for anyone interested in l
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a very interesting read, highlighting one of the lesser-mentioned and -celebrated players in the american revolution and civil beginnings of the USA. it's obvious lockhart is a fan of the baron, and seemed to err on the side of rehabilitation concerning his image and historical importance in some spots. but he also did a gargantuan amount of research, and the book is well-written. it gets 3 stars instead of 4 because of the over-plethora of colorful annecdotes in some sections, combined with the
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Fascinating
This was a fascinating look at an American hero. The Baron was both flawed and strong. This book doesn't pull punches but gives credit where it is due in a very readable way!
This was a fascinating look at an American hero. The Baron was both flawed and strong. This book doesn't pull punches but gives credit where it is due in a very readable way!
An interesting and balanced portrait of a revolutionary war legend. More instrumental in the war effort than I originally thought.
Wonderful sympathetic portrayal of one of the United States' little known and under-appreciated founding figures.
3.5/5
Glosses over some essential components (his long-rumored homosexuality, his early life, etc.), but a good read if you want the gist of his contributions to the Revolutionary War.
Glosses over some essential components (his long-rumored homosexuality, his early life, etc.), but a good read if you want the gist of his contributions to the Revolutionary War.
3.75
2009-01 - The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army. Author: Paul Lockhart. 352 pages. 2008
I have long had an affinity for von Steuben which was kindled by the article: BARON VON STEUBEN AND THE TRAINING OF ARMIES in Military Review MAY1994. Von Steuben has enjoyed durability below the radar in US military history. He lacks the luster of Lafayette and because of his foreign origins his contributions have often been chipped away at or downplayed. Pe ...more
I have long had an affinity for von Steuben which was kindled by the article: BARON VON STEUBEN AND THE TRAINING OF ARMIES in Military Review MAY1994. Von Steuben has enjoyed durability below the radar in US military history. He lacks the luster of Lafayette and because of his foreign origins his contributions have often been chipped away at or downplayed. Pe ...more
"Whether dealing with the governor, or militia officers, or ordinary citizens, the Baron found it impossible to be subtle."
I have been fascinated by the character of Baron de Steuben (Baron von Steuben) since first reading about him in biographies of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Not only did Steuben play a critical role in the success of the American Revolution - perhaps the most critical aside from Washington himself - but he was a fascinating and complicated individual.
I would put ...more
I have been fascinated by the character of Baron de Steuben (Baron von Steuben) since first reading about him in biographies of George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Not only did Steuben play a critical role in the success of the American Revolution - perhaps the most critical aside from Washington himself - but he was a fascinating and complicated individual.
I would put ...more
Very engaging, a fast read. I like that the author doesn't paint Steuben with overly broad strokes and admits some things about the Baron were embellishments and resume-padding, but not all of them, and not always was the Baron solely to blame. The author's very fair in that regard.
A surprisingly critical view of Lafayette, though one I have no reason to second-guess. Of course such a young general would be naive and foolhardy at times, it's only in the myth/lore of him that he's idealized (eve ...more
A surprisingly critical view of Lafayette, though one I have no reason to second-guess. Of course such a young general would be naive and foolhardy at times, it's only in the myth/lore of him that he's idealized (eve ...more
I'll admit to a bias about Steuben, having grown up within walking distance of the Steuben House at New Bridge Landing in NJ. We all learned in school that the house had been seized by the state from a Loyalist family, and presented to the Baron in thanks. But I was always curious to know more.
This book is written in a clear, concise way that those of us without military backgrounds can understand. He comes across as mortal, not a demagogue like we see so many of our Revolutionary War heroes. Hi ...more
This book is written in a clear, concise way that those of us without military backgrounds can understand. He comes across as mortal, not a demagogue like we see so many of our Revolutionary War heroes. Hi ...more
I truly enjoyed this book. I saw some important French figures for American independence, that I read of in Stacy Schiff's "A Great Impoviation," in a new light. I also learned a great deal of Revolutionary War history generally, including the Conway Cabel, Monmouth, and Charles Lee, that I had never read of before. Some things, like Thomas Jefferson not being a very good excutive during the war as regarded martial maters, and that Petersberg had a revolutionary battle not just the seige of the
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This is a very enjoyable read. Lockhart integrates the Baron de Steuben's biography into the larger narrative of the Revolutionary War (and its many colorful characters), lending context and meaning to the Prussian's wartime experiences and contributions. Lockhart makes it clear that the Baron's support for the American war effort was heartfelt by the end of the war, despite his status as a "foreigner." And far from being a one-hit-wonder, Steuben instilled discipline and esprit de corps in the
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An immigrant who made an impact. Baron de Steuben moved from the lowly ranks of the Prussian military where he achieved many accolades but little fortune in the court of Frederick the Great to the winter encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge during its desperation for order. The Prussian officer would train up the army to fight with professional European soldiers. His legacy would be established not only with the victory in the American Revolution but his "Blue Book" would train mil
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The author was obviously a fan of the Baron de Steuben, and had an eye towards rehabilitating his reputation. Of course, one always hopes to always have a sympathetic biographer document his life, and it's more likely that someone passionately interested in an historical figure will go on to write their biography.
This bias has caused the author to give a gentle spin to some of de Steuben's more prominent foibles, but--in the end--he makes a successful case for the restoration of a lot of the Bar ...more
This bias has caused the author to give a gentle spin to some of de Steuben's more prominent foibles, but--in the end--he makes a successful case for the restoration of a lot of the Bar ...more
Apr 11, 2009
Ralph
rated it
liked it
Recommends it for:
Those intereested in the United States war for independence.
This book provides a good introduction to Baron De Steuben. Many non historians are unaware of the vital nature of how the Baron helped the new country succeed. This book does a good job of presenting the assistance he gave dispite many misgivings and understanading of how the "American" system worked. Lockhart's summation of how Stuben's ideas were used long after the revolutionary war was benefical and enlightening.
Very readable and interesting account of Baron De Steuben's role in the American Revolution; is honest in its assessment and by virtue of focusing on Steuben it highlights parts of the Revolution not frequently discussed in other works.
It is a 'short' work (~300 pages) so it does not go into nitty-gritty detail, especially when it comes to the reforms and regulations that De Steuben pioneered in the army.
It is a 'short' work (~300 pages) so it does not go into nitty-gritty detail, especially when it comes to the reforms and regulations that De Steuben pioneered in the army.
Nov 15, 2008
Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides
marked it as decided-not-to-read
Shelves:
american-history
This book isn't too much of a doorstop, but all the same, there's a lot of information at the beginning that ... I'm not convinced that I need, and that the text itself failed to convince me that I need. Also, the author sounds almost personally insecure as he repeatedly attempts to clarify perceived slights on Steuben's character. (Which 90%+ of readers probably wouldn't be familiar with.)
A great biography. I really enjoyed this ready. I never heard or recalled studying the baron von Steuben. He came from Prussia and taught European military tactics to General George Washington's army during certain battles of the American Revolution. He developed the science of war and developed bayonet (close combat) tactics as well.
For a book about such an interesting character, this was a bit on the dry side. Additionally, the author meandered a bit, and occasionally veered sharply away from a previous point without bothering to wrap up his thoughts. On the whole, however, a fairly concise biography of one of the American Revolution's more colorful characters.
A great read
About the invaluable Baron Von Steuben. The Prussian officer hired by Benjamin Franklin and sent to America to put some discipline and pride in the Continental Army. This man saved the Continental Army at Valley Forge and his drill book translated from German to English became the guide that the infantry would use to fight the British. A great read!
About the invaluable Baron Von Steuben. The Prussian officer hired by Benjamin Franklin and sent to America to put some discipline and pride in the Continental Army. This man saved the Continental Army at Valley Forge and his drill book translated from German to English became the guide that the infantry would use to fight the British. A great read!
We have all heard of the Baron de Steuben, but there is much more to the story than the time at Valley Forge. Despite the title, this book tells the rest of his story. I always enjoy learning from the books I read. I learned a great deal about the man and his life as well as the impact he had not only on out troops in the battle for independence, but prior to and after that time as well.
Loved this book. I learned alot from this book that was never taught in history class. If you are interested The Baron De Steuben this is a must read. This a great read the author grabs from the start and never lets go.
Fascinating tale of a potentially unremarkable European junior officer that in the true American tradition reinvented himself in America. The backdrop of the tale is a hint at the crucial roles of many foreign nationals in the success of the Revolutionary War.
Jan 21, 2011
Steven
added it
The author does a good job describing the unrewarding life of an 18th century aristocrat that really had no country, or cause to commit to in the hope of finding fame and glory through military command.
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Paul Lockhart is a history professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. His first four books are about the history of Scandinavia, but in 2006 he decided to write for a broader audience and hence returned to his roots in early American history. His fifth book, THE DRILLMASTER OF VALLEY FORGE: THE BARON DE STEUBEN AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN ARMY (HarperCollins, 2008), was his first wid
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“A European army to fight a European war, but in America—that was what Washington wanted. Though most of the army’s leaders agreed with him, there were naysayers, too, men who thought that the best chance for winning independence was to fight a “war of posts,” a guerrilla war. American soldiers, as free men unaccustomed to deference, would never be fully capable of emulating their European counterparts. They were better suited to fighting an irregular war of raids and ambushes, avoiding outright confrontations with superior forces.”
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“Drill instills discipline. Constant practice of repetitive motions and movements turn men into unthinking cogs in a larger military machine. It breaks down individuality, replacing the inclination to think with the instinct to obey.”
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