FReep this Poll: Greatest Military General in History

Internet Poll/Right Handed Pitcher ^ | 9/8/10

[Paisan]

It is said that when Lincoln was told that Grant was a drunk, he replied, “What does he drink, I want to give some to all my generals”, or words to that effect.

Thereby making Lincoln, as Commander-in-Chief, the greater General...

[Condor51]

The Greatest General In History isn't even on the list.
He is

Sun Tzu

He wrote the book all others followed: The Art of War.

[allmendream]

The armies of the Khan were not just large, but also with a supreme military advantage. His forces were all mounted archers and they need not do anything other than maneuver and fire to decimate enemy armies.

As such his genius as a general was most likely not responsible for the extent of his conquest as much as military superiority. Although he was a master of the psychology of warfare, and his greatest attack was upon the populations willingness to resist.

“They say that I am the scourge of God, a punishment sent for your sins. I tell you that this is most certainly true. You may ask what sins you have committed, and I tell you that they must have been grievous indeed if God sent ME against you!”

[allmendream]

I read about his exploits in the book “Barbarians Marauders and Infidels, the Medieval world at war” or some such. A very good book that discussed the equipment, weapons, and tactics of the day. The Muslim conquests were indeed, as you say, a work of military genius and the extreme devotion of the army.

Until reading that book I did not realize how much Bruge enters history, either because of their importance or the preservation of their records. After seeing the movie “In Bruge”, every time I read something in that book about Bruge I said (aping Colin Farril) “Bruge?! F*#$%&^@ Bruge?!”

[ThanhPhero]

Ghengis didn’t do too badly, either.

[Dick Bachert]

Thank you for the kind words.

And don’t forget to TAKE OUT THE TRASH ON 11/2!!

Stay well and safe.

[frogjerk]

Excellent thread!

[frogjerk]

[MattinNJ]

Morgan BTTT. Let me know when your book comes out. Sounds fascinating.

[GSP.FAN]

Confused on this one, daughter named after Alexander son named after Patton.... Leonidas a good choice saved the Greeks from Xerxes and the Persians..

[colorado tanker]

From the perspective of area conquered and unbeaten records I'd have to go with Gengis Khan and Alexander.

As to tactical brilliance, Alexander goes back on the list with Hannibal and Caesar. Cannae is still studied and IMHO was the model for the first Gulf War plan.

In more modern times, Frederick the Great and Napoleon.

I agree the WWII Pacific campaign is often overlooked. I am a big fan of Nimitz. When his back was against the wall he threw everything on the line at Midway. Then he put together the most innovative strategic plan of the war.

As distasteful as it is I'd put Khalid on the list for his accomplishments, but to be fair he was attacking two empires that had exhausted each other in earlier battles.

Save the best for last - Washington. He may not have been the best tactician, but was a brilliant leader. He really was the indispensable man in creating the United States. No one else could have held that army together in my opinion.

[allmendream]

If we are going to mention Nimitz, then are we going to assess Admirals?

Probably not, Lord Admiral Nelson or NOBODY!

Crossing the T, the Egyptian gambit, etc. The guy was a genius at naval warfare!

[colorado tanker]

I completely agree about Nelson.

I mentioned Nimitz because of his innovative island hopping strategy that I think was brilliant and saved a lot of lives. By using his by that time in the war overwhelming air power he even destroyed the base at Truk with no land troops at all and risking no surface ships.

[SunkenCiv]

Leonidas doesn't belong on the list of nominees, IMHO, and didn't save the Greeks regardless -- but this is funny (thanks go to martin_fierro I think):

[Reily]

General Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck
Read about him an incredible story!
Led Imperial German forces in Africa.
He was heavily out-numbered 4 or 5 to 1. Lost supply and for the most part communication contact with Germany early in the war. He resupplied his troops with ammo and food totally from captured Allied stores. He was never defeated. At the end of the war he was on the offensive and retaking territory.

[45semi]

I read his personal papers & correspondence, I forget the name of the book.
He basically had 'battles on many different fronts' aside from the Union.
Seems there was a constant battle between Generals
(P.G.T. Beauregard was one of the worst for clamoring for more, & yet more troops)
for troops, armament, victuals, and especially draft animals & wagons.
He did so much of his own logistics in addition to his other concerns.
And, you have to admit, until Gettysburg, his winning streak (yeah, he fought some lousy Union Generals)
was quite enviable.

[GSP.FAN]

Yeah but he got the Spartans riled up and next year Pausanias kicked some persian ass at Plataea...
The persians never recovered from that defeat..

[Kevmo]

Thanks!

[SunkenCiv]

additional, from the archives:

10 greatest military commanders of all time
freerepulic | August 31, 2002 | zapiks4
Posted on 08/31/2002 1:49:08 PM PDT by zapiks44
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/742563/posts