Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was not born American, yet his influence helped secure American independence. A Prussian soldier trained under Frederick the Great, von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge in 1778 with nothing more than his experience, his determination, and a reputation that was perhaps a bit inflated by Benjamin Franklin’s pen. What he found was an army in rags, disorganized and nearly broken. What he gave them was structure, discipline, and confidence.

Von Steuben drilled Washington’s men until they could march and fight like professionals. He barked commands, swore in several languages, and demanded order in camp, but the soldiers loved him because he trained beside them. His “Blue Book” manual became the foundation of the U.S. Army for decades. At Monmouth and Yorktown his reforms showed their worth. In this episode, we explore how a Prussian soldier became one of the true fathers of the American Army.