When was baron von steuben born

He trained them vigorously, then used them as a model example for the rest of the camp. His system of progressive training ensured that the men of the Army were ready for battle. His training regimen became the basis for Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States , the guide that would serve the United States Army through the War of Von Steuben's military career would conclude in when he received his honorable discharge from the Army.

They also appreciated his use of colorful words in several different languages, including relying on an aide to curse at the soldiers in English when warranted. In approximately two months, a complete transformation in the army took place, with the army tackling the basic drills, from firearm control to line and marching formations.

He was present in the final campaign at Yorktown resulted in the American victory of the American Revolution.

He died in New York on November 28, Rev War Biography. Baron von Steuben. Title Major General. Date of Birth - Death September 17, - November 28, Related Biographies.

View All Related Resources. In Boston, he met John Hancock, who hosted a dinner for him, and chatted up Samuel Adams about politics and military affairs. Next, von Steuben headed to York, Pennsylvania, the temporary American capital while the British occupied Philadelphia. Aware that the Continental Congress had soured on foreign volunteers, von Steuben offered to serve under Washington and asked to be paid only if America won the war.

They took the deal and sent von Steuben to Valley Forge. A less courageous or less bankrupt man would have quit on the spot. Now—following common military practice of the era—they had camped for the winter.

But Valley Forge, their winter quarters, was nearly as punishing as battle: hastily built huts, cruel temperatures, scarce food.

The baron found soldiers without uniforms, rusted muskets without bayonets, companies with men missing and unaccounted for. Short enlistments meant constant turnover and little order. Regiment sizes varied wildly. Different officers used different military drill manuals, leading to chaos when their units tried to work together. If the army had to fight on short notice, von Steuben warned Washington, he might find himself commanding one-third of the men he thought he had. The army had to get into better shape before fighting resumed in the spring.

So, von Steuben put the entire army through Prussian-style drills, starting with a model company of men. He taught them how to reload their muskets quickly after firing, charge with a bayonet and march in compact columns instead of miles-long lines. Soldiers gaped at the sight of a German nobleman, in a French-style black beaver hat, drilling poorly clothed troops.

Though von Steuben raged and cursed in a garbled mixture of French, English, and German, his instructions and presence began to build morale. And though the baron was appalled at the condition of the army he was tasked with making over, he soon developed an appreciation for its soldiers.