Episode 8 | Nathanael Greene Saves the Revolution

Just when it seems as though the Americans are about to lose the War for Independence, Major General Nathanael Greene saves the day.

26 minutes | 1780 - 1781

Hear About:

📜Just how close the Americans were to losing the Revolutionary War.

📜The stark differences between Nathanael Greene and Lord Charles Cornwallis, the opposing General he was fighting in the south.  

📜How General Greene put on one of the greatest military performances of the Revolutionary War and how it saved the American's southern army from being destroyed.

9
Key Historical Figures Introduced
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Nathanael Greene

Although we've been following Greene throughout the Revolutionary War, restating his background will make what he accomplishes that much more impressive.  Greene was brought up in a Quaker household that taught him that war was evil, a limp so severe that his comrades in the Kentish Guards didn't want him marching with them, and had zero military experience when joining the Revolutionary War. 

Thomas_Gainsborough_(1727-88)_-_Charles,_Second_Earl_and_First_Marquess_Cornwallis_(1738-1805)_-_RCIN_400748_-_Royal_Collection

Charles Cornwallis

General Charles Cornwallis couldn't be more opposite from the man he was fighting.  He came from an aristocratic background, was educated at some of England's finest schools, and had years of military experience when the Revolutionary War began.

Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Cornwallis,_1st_Marquess_Cornwallis#/media/File:Thomas_Gainsborough_(1727-88)_-_Charles,_Second_Earl_and_First_Marquess_Cornwallis_(1738-1805)_-_RCIN_400748_-_Royal_Collection.jpg

 

DanielMorgan

Daniel Morgan

Daniel Morgan was one of Nathanael Greene's lead Generals thoughout the Americans' campaign in the South.  During that campaign, Morgan will pull off one of the most impressive victories in the entire war during the Battle of Cowpens in 1781. 

Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Morgan#/media/File:DanielMorgan.jpeg

 

Visit Locations From the Show
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Nathanael Greene Homestead | Coventry, RI

Although not specifically discussed in this episode, a visit to the Nathanael Greene homestead allows one to imagine the images of home that probably lingered in his mind while fighting in the southern colonies.  There must of been numerous times while being chased by Cornwallis that Greene wished he was back home with his wife and kids. 

Maps, Graphs, and Images
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Timeline of Greene's Southern Campaign

What General Nathanael Greene was able to do with an army that was on the verge of being destroyed is truly remarkable.  It's no wonder why it's considered one of the most brilliant military performances of the entire Revolutionary War.

What This Episode Doesn't Tell You

George Washington nominated Nathanael Greene as his successor if he were to be killed or captured during the war. 

Ever since the Revolutionary War began, Nathanael Greene made it clear that he was there to work.  From the onset of the War Greene ensured that his troops remained orderly and disciplined at all times.  And although he had the biggest failure of his military career early on in the War during the fighting in New York, he constantly worked to become a better field General.  Then, after a few impressive performances in battle, he went on to show Washington just how resourceful he was by drastically improving the effectiveness of the Quartermaster General department.   Therefore, due to his tireless work ethic, his highly improved battlefield skills, and his resourcefullness, Washington decides that if anything were to happen to him then General Greene should be the one to take over for him.  Not bad for a man who joined the Revolution with zero military experience. 

Learn More
Books:

  • Rhode Island: A History by William G. McLoughlin
  • Colonial Rhode Island: A History by Sydney V. James
  • Washington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway 
  • Battles of the Revolutionary War by W.J. Wood
  • Washington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution by Terry Golway
  • The Glorious Cause by Robert Middlekauff
  • The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents by Joseph J. Ellis