When you think of Valley Forge what comes to mind? Cold winter? Hardships? Terrible food and condition? I bet you don't think of Prussia, that's right PRUSSIA! Not Russia. I would also be willing to bet that you don;t think of Baron Von Steuben! Von Steuben was one very impoprtant visitor to Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778 that made a tremendious difference and should not be forgotten. His name was Baron Von Steuben, a stout, balding German gentlemen that had knowledge in warfare. With his four aides and a large Russian wolfhound named Azor, he look on the challenge to turn the near-savage American Army around. As a Prussian Lieutenant General, he had experience in warfare. With luck, his battle strategies will pay off and turn these barely clothed soldiers into a fighting machine.
He trained the soldiers to fight with Guerilla warfare, rather than the British artillery that fight in large groups in the middle of fields. Along with this tactic comes the bayonet use, which soldiers were taught to have much skill with. With this strategy, stealth and hiding caused for less American casualties and more battles won. This was evident at the battles of Barren Hill (May 20, 1778), and at Monmouth, (ending June 28th.) These battles became turning points in the American Revolution, because it showed that we were a professional army of professional soldiers who could stand up to the Bri.
He trained the soldiers to fight with Guerilla warfare, rather than the British artillery that fight in large groups in the middle of fields. Along with this tactic comes the bayonet use, which soldiers were taught to have much skill with. With this strategy, stealth and hiding caused for less American casualties and more battles won. This was evident at the battles of Barren Hill (May 20, 1778), and at Monmouth, (ending June 28th.) These battles became turning points in the American Revolution, because it showed that we were a professional army of professional soldiers who could stand up to the Bri.
Guerilla Warfare
To learn more about Guerilla Warfare, click on this picture!