Customer Reviews

The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army

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I truly enjoyed this book. The writing flowed nicely and the quality of the scholarship was good.

This is a standard biography of de Steuben that covers his life in great detail drawing upon a number of sources including many that are highly critical of the Barron. It was a "page turner" and the author strove to be even handed in his presentation of the sources available to him although his analysis of that evidence was heavilly slanted towards the Barron. The author's statements border on the hagiographic. This is, however, not a problem since he makes is very clear when he presents his own opinion and he includes all sources including those which are highly critical of the Barron. He also did a fine job of marshalling his evidence to support his assertions.

That said, it was an entirely conventional biography without any very keen or deep insights. This does not stop me from giving him five stars however, because the writing is clear, the Barron has not been adequately "biographed" (is that a word?) prior to this book, and the life covers often overlooked portions of history and the American Revolution. This should be viewed as an introduction to the Barron and his work and times rather than a definitive text. It is a great jumping off point.

I can unreservedly recommend this book to anyone interested in military affairs, the Revolution, or even the enlightenment period as there are interesting lessons and insights for all of these areas contained in the Barron's life.

Prior to reading Lockhart's Drillmaster of Valley Forge, I had been reading a great deal about the Prussian army of Frederick the Great, and how it came to dominate not only the European battlefields of the eighteenth century, but the minds of most military theorists of that time as well. As an American reader, then, the biography of Steuben, the man who brought Prussian military influences directly to the Continental Army, proved to be a compelling read indeed.

One of Lockhart's themes is that Steuben could not have succeeded without the unusual combination of aristocratic persona and common familiarity with the American soldiers. He was himself a product of the Prussian machine crafted by Frederick, and therefore understood that fluid movement of masses of infantry and rapidity of fire were the keys to success in the European style set-piece battle. However, these were not Pomeranian peasants he was training, but citizens of a republic, and he possessed the insight to know the difference and tailor his command style accordingly.

Lockhart's book is an entertaining and informative read about an important, if largely overlooked personality who nevertheless casts a long shadow over the history of the American army. I highly recommend it to anyone with a specific interest in the American War for Independence or a general interest in eighteenth century warfare.

Author Lockhart has performed a valuable service in providing a very readable biography of Frederick William Baron von Steuben for anyone interested in the American Revolutionary War. The work covers von Steuben's life until his death in the Mohawk Valley in 1794 at the age of sixty-four. It is clearly sympathetic to von/de Steuben, and makes a firm case that von Steuben was much more important to the patriot cause than for just his work at Valley Forge for three months in 1778.

If there is any fault to this book it is in the rather light treatment of the time for which von Steuben is famous -- the drilling of troops at Valley Forge and the creation of his Revolutionary War Drill Manual. However, that manual is available in paperback from Dover Publications as "Baron von Steuben's Revolutionary War Drill Manual, A Facsimile Reprint of the 1794 Edition." I recommend its acquisition by all parties interested in the detail that Lockhart skips over.

The often dispargingly mentioned falsification of von Steuben's credentials that he used to gain acceptance by Washington and the Continental Congress is covered well by this book. It appears that von Steuben himself was not responsible for the deception, but he went along with Deane and Beaumarchais in order to obtain the his goals. As soon as possible von Steuben cleared the air with Washington and was able to establish himself with the Commander-in-Chief on an honest and forthright basis. The result was his eventual elevation to Inspector General at Washington's request. He became the embodiment of the American drean where an immigrant comes to the US and remakes himself into an important contributor in American history.

Personally, my great-great-great-Grandfather was one of those men selected to form the "model company" for von Steuben to drill and then act as instructors/demonstrators to the remainder of the army. I felt this episode could have been covered more heavily. For example, the author fails to mention that the men of the model company were then added to Washington's Lifeguard and subsequently acquited themselves well in several later fights. The Lifeguard obviously became the premier unit for drills and parades and the example aspired to by the remainder of the army.

Von Steuben was made a major general in the Continental Army and later served in a variety of capacities including the command of various troops in several campaigns. His record, particularly in Virginia in 1781 which he attempted to defend against the British forces under Benedict Arnold was solid but less than brilliant. Unfortunately, this campaign is not covered in detail, but since it is often overlooked in books on the Revolutionary War, to read about it at all was a boon. Perhaps a later edition could add the detail I would like to see on this campaign in which no one on the patriot side made a name for himself. Von Steuben himself clashed with almost everyone of importance in Virginia, including Governor Jefferson, and although he evaded defeat, was unable to accomplish much in defense of the state. This campaign severely damaged him politically, but von Steuben retained the Washington's good opinion.

In short, there is much good information here on more individuals than just von Steuben. In many respects he made important contributions to the forming of a disciplined army -- one that was able to stand up to the British. The author does an excellent job in covering the ground, and has added to the available literature on the Revolutionary War.

This book is highly recommended.

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. Perhaps no greater proof is that his gravesite is in rural New York, modest, and seldom visited, yet still standing erect and sentinel like in the wilds of New York.

This book is a very good basic introduction to the life and legacy of Major-General Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin Madrich Estonich Valvonet Candor von Steuben. Much of his life before coming to America was unknown to me. This book did a very good job of detailing his travails and travels. The murky path which brought him to America is documented as well.

The book does a good job of covering von Steuben in the American Revolution. While one would expect a great deal of focus on his training of troops at Valley Forge and the impact of his regulations and Blue Book on the Army both past and present. The extent of his service after Valley Forge is often overshadowed by active frontline commanders like Lafayette, Greene, Wayne and others. Behind these men there lurked von Steuben drilling the recruits, organizing the rear areas, inspecting for standards and managing the reserves.

Von Steuben's contribution in training and regulating has been steadily chipped away at by some historians who seek to minimize the role of foreign experts in the continental Army. Some have alluded to the systems and proposals by Conway and by Washington. While some of that material is interesting the simple fact is that they remained proposals while von Steuben did more than theorize.

In terms of revolutionary legacy the Blue Book which was retained as the standard manual until the 1812 War is of prime importance. Its importance lies not in the steps o loading a musket or wheeling from column to line but rather in the sections which outlasted the weapons and techniques of the day. His importance is in the guidance to leaders and commanders that von Steuben offered. Von Steuben was schooled in a military system with roots in the legions of ancient Rome. Rather than simply transport that legacy and its methods to the new world, as some had tried, von Steuben adapted to the material and tradition he found among the native soldiery. This is reflected in his lectures and admonishments on troop leadership. The word love is far more common in the Blue Book than the word obedience. Von Steuben intrinsically understood that Americans chafe under Roman notions of obedience. That Roman and by extension European insistence on absolute, unconditional, and prompt obedience was antithecal to the inspirations and modes of the American Revolution.

In this willingness to adapt military principals to the American character von Steuben instituted a legacy of "mission orders" in the American military. No longer would little more than "go here" and "do that" be expected. Now commanders explained why and framed it in what now call the, Commanders Intent, and troops went out and accomplished miracles of performance, endurance, and initiative. Von Steuben allowed for the troops to each have ownership in not just the task but the entire mission and cause. He effectively unleashed the power of the individual with in a frame work of hierarchy which has limited casualties and increased combat performance even in the American military today.

This enduring legacy of von Steuben is continually being re-discovered. It is not the only legacy though. Von Steuben though retired from active service was considered by Washington to command the US Military in campaigns in the Old Northwest. This choice was not taken because von Steuben was a foreigner and therefore unpalatable politically. The choice eventually fell to "Mad" Anthony Wayne, though not without von Steuben's imprint. Von Steuben had been active in the post war years as a military theorist for the New Republic. He had advocated a system of defense which does not look so dissimilar to what exists today. In principal it relied on two notions. The first was that though Americans had a strong antipathy to standing armies they were required. There size could be mitigated by organization and the use of follow on militia conceptualized much like the modern National Guard toady. The other notion was that of an all arms focus. Von Steuben envisioned an active military structure of combined arms units consisting of cavalry, artillery, line infantry, light infantry, logistics, and riflemen. The concept is similar to the modern day Brigade Combat Team though at a smaller level.

The book does a very good job of introducing these later concepts to the reader in language which is accessible to all.

Every "miserable, whiny, babyfaced, mamasboy", recruit who has ever slumped into a barracks with feet that ached like fire after an unending forced march knows The Baron. Everyone who has stood in an ordered line in the rain, knows him too. And when the non-com puts his face within six inches of his own and bellows out the immortal, resounding words, "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!", that recruit knows who to blame.

But at the same time when he thinks of that, he might think also of 1991 when Saddam's hordes stood petrified like a rat in the eyes of a cobra as the Baron's spiritual children swarm round through and above them in a manner that the Baron's King Fredrick, Old Fritz himself would
approve. And think of the thousands that came home that would not have if his spirit had not lived on. For if George Washington was the Father of his Country, Baron von Steuben was the father of the US Army.
The Baron is a forgotten hero of the American Revolution. In many ways, he was an anomaly. He was brought up in the best traditions of eighteenth century monarchial states. He was trained to value loyalty, order, and efficiency. Yet he finally gained glory in the cause of a people whose values were different, the values of neighborliness, mutual respect, political liberty, and easy-going administration. And when these values clashed he chose the second rather then the first. But to defend the second value system, something had to be borrowed from the first. And it was the Baron who knew how.

The Baron was raised to be a Prussian officer. In legend "Prussian millitarist" denotes rigidity and a martinet like behavior. There was more then a little of that(it could not be avoided in an army which had a large number of Shanghaied soldiers). But in real life, it also included professional dedication, work and application of the mind. Ironically despite the seeming difference, Prussia and America were alike in their reverence for the "work ethic". And von Steuben was to be, besides a war-hero, a classic example of that legendary American archtype, the up from the bootstraps immigrant.
Steuben fought for Fredrick the Great valiantly. Then the greatest nightmare for a European petty noble came about-peace. For ordinary people, peace meant lower taxes and no more press-gangs or foragers in their fields. For officers it meant unemployment. In desperation the Baron hawked his services from state to state as a mercenary. Finally he found someone who wanted him. The most desperate soldier of fortune found the most desparate cause.

Recruited by Benjamin Franklin, Steuben came to America. He found the Continental Army, valiant but ill-schooled. The camp was unsanitary and the soldiers clumsy at drill. If not exactly a rabble, they were certainly not Frederick's men. Steuben set to training them. By some miracle of insight he knew that what was best in Prussia, was not best in America. While he was no gentle taskmaster(according to legend, he had an aide beside him when he directed drill, assigned for the purpose of helping him swear in English). But neither did he rule by the knout. He built a drill system that was practical rather then ornamental, one which in some ways anticipated the changes of the Napoleanic era.

Steuben all this time wrestled with the mutual incomprehension and culture shock. With the American ruling class inability to understand his military perfectionism and his inability to understand the American ambiguity toward a professionalised millitary. Steuben overcame these obstacles and made an army that was formidable enough, not merely to stand against the British but to defend America through the years. He wrote the "Blue Book" regulations, helped found the Academy at West Point, and helped give Americans the confidence to match themselves against Europeans.

Americans, who are paradoxically warlike and peace-loving at the same time, seldom remember the Baron. He represents a system of hierarchy and discipline, which Americans protected by the ocean have long and rather self-righteously disdained. We honor George Washington for his virtue, honor, and selflessness. We honor Franklin for his good-nature and his genius. But whenever we celebrate our Independance, we might spare a thought for the Baron. The ordinary people of America learned liberty of their own. The signers of the Constitution built the political system on which it was founded. But it was the Baron who taught us how to guard it. And if the price of liberty is eternal vigilance, it is the Baron who taught us how to be vigilant.

The Baron De Steuben conned his way into the American army with false credentials concocted with the assistance of the American emissaries to France. This was necessary because foreign officers had become problematic in America at the time (1777) unless they possessed a large and undoubted expertise in war. Steuben possessed the expertise. He had unusual exposure to war from company officer to supreme command (the latter in a staff capacity) in the Prussian Army of Frederick the Great. He did not, however, possess the high rank and position that normally goes with such expertise. He was also broke, without influential connections and with no real prospects.

Fortunately for Steuben the deception worked and he was smart enough to tell Washington the truth (mostly) about his real background. Equally fortunately, Washington recognized Steuben's abilities and had a use for them. Washington desperately needed his army to be trained and disciplined to the point that they could at least compete with the British Army in the open field and thought that Steuben could accomplish this minor miracle. Washington was right. Within about two and a half months at Valley Forge, he had trained the army sufficiently that they could undertake necessary basic maneuvers on the battlefield at a higher level than ever before. Over the next three years Steuben created a basic field/drill manual for the entire army and helped greatly in making the Continental Army actually a formidable force. The results helped to influence the French to commit to the American alliance. Late in the war Steuben had a reasonably successful career, under extraordinary handicaps, as a senior general in the field. He became an American citizen and ended his days here.

This well researched and beautifully written biography, the first of De Steuben in many years, tells his story with verve and excitement as well as with accuracy. Steuben, who has a good claim to being the father of the American army, is very well served by this book. He would be pleased.

Professor Lockhart does more than simply repeat the thesis that von Steuben was a fake Prussian general who taught Washington's army how to drill... he looks at the man and puts him in context, properly stating his very real talents and his contributions to the American cause.

Steuben was a product of the Prussian army, which in the 18th Century might not have been the largest but was certainly the best. Steuben served in the army in many capacities, as was the Prussian way, and gained experience in several commands during wars fought in central Europe. He was dismissed from the service after falling from favor, this despite having once been on the fast-track for general officer.

Circumstance led him to joining General Washington at Valley Forge, where he put his leadership skills, his knowledge and his experience to work reforging the Continental Army. Despite many trials and tribulations he succeeded, as Inspector General, in turning the ragtag forces into a real army. But going beyond that, he proved himself both an able staff officer and commander, although this was not always appreciated at the time.

Professor Lockhart's knowledge and enthusiasm for this subject makes for a good read and one I believe is instructive for the Soldiers of today.

"The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army", by Paul Lockhart, is a very enjoyable read, and very educational. If you are at all interested in the history of the United State Army, or are a U.S. soldier, I highly recommend this read. Von Steuben was crucial to the development of the U.S. soldier and the U.S. Army as we know it today. When he arrived in Valley Forge in early 1778 he found a relatively rag tag and defeated group of Continentals under the leadership of General Washington. Speaking almost no English, with the exception of some key curse words, he beat and trained the U.S. Army in to soldiers capable of standing up to the British. While almost everyone in the U.S. Army at the time thought the British were the greatest Army in the World, Steuben, as a Prussian, knew this was not the case. He had no respect for the British, and was confident the Continentals could stand up to them. He helped them do this. Later, he drafted the first U.S. Army Blue Book, a manual on training soldiers on infantry tactics. He revolutionized the field of soldiery by taking the Prussian tactics he knew so well, and molded them to match the persona of the U.S. soldier. He noted that the American soldier would always obey orders, but you had to tell them why the orders were given in the first place. This is a factor in the U.S. military to this day! Steuben recognized this and developed it as policy. There are so many interesting aspects of this book that will garner your full attention. Definitely worth reading.

This is a well-written and honest account of the life of Baron De Steuben. Provides a lot of insight into his character and by following him through the war, you get info on events that are normally not given much coverage in general American Revolution history works (such as the activity in Virginia while Greene and Cornwallis were in the Carolinas).

It is a popular history, so don't expect a ton of detail, especially if you're interested in a point-by-point analysis of De Steuben's 'Blue Book' -- the author is content with providing a couple illustrative examples. This is not a reason to avoid the book, though, and increases its readability substantially.

In summary, an enjoyable and welcome addition to the recent focus on the individuals that helped make the American Revolution possible.

Paul Lockhart tells 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 political situation that the American Army found itself in vis a vis Congress. From the attempt to remove Washington to even the Baron's own machinations within Congress the reader can see the complexity in which this army existed. Lockhart also does a good job of tracking down the European history of the Baron and shows the fraudulent way he presented himself in coming over to America but his own drive and skill allowed him to make up for his pedigrees shortcomings and as Lockhart shows the baron becomes the first "American story".
Lockhart, who is a skilled military historian, covers the campaigns and training programs in great detail but unlike many military historians is able to tie them back to the bigger picture making for a very fascinating read. The creation of the blue book which was the guiding principle of the American military through the war of 1812 and influenced it quite a bit beyond that was created by the Baron and his staff and is covered well in here. The idea that forms the core of the American military as also a Baron idea and its etymology is discussed in this book. Those looking for campaign details will not be disappointed as there are plenty of campaign details covered in the book especially within the NJ invasion and the southern campaign with Greene. Overall this was a very enjoyable book and well worth the time to read.