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S8 Ep1039: Baron von Steuben and the Strategic Overhaul at Valley Forge. Guest: Professor Richard Bell. Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer, arrived at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777–1778, desperate for a career after being forced out of the Prussian
Baron von Steuben and the Strategic Overhaul at Valley Forge. Guest: Professor Richard Bell. Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer, arrived at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777–1778, desperate for a career after being forced out of the Prussian military. Though he arrived in a brilliant uniform, he was essentially a "soldier of fortune" hired by Benjamin Franklin and Silas Deane to instill order and discipline in the ragtag Continental Army. Washington's decision to hire him proved to be one of his best strategic moves, transforming the army's combat readiness. Steuben's presence…
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