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100 Greatest Generals in History: A Legacy of Leadership and Strategic Innovation
By Dr. Alistair Finch, PhD (Military History, King's College London)
Published by Zenith Press – A leading publisher in military history and strategic studies for over 50 years.
Edited by Colonel Evelyn Reed (Ret.), former Chief of Staff, US Army War College.
Introduction:
The compilation of a list like "100 greatest generals in history" is inherently subjective. Different eras demand different skills, and the very definition of “greatness” is open to interpretation. Is it measured by battlefield victories alone? Or does it encompass strategic vision, logistical mastery, political acumen, and the ability to inspire loyalty and unwavering commitment from their troops? This article delves into the complexities of ranking such influential figures, examining the criteria used to construct such a list and the significant implications for the study of military history, leadership, and strategic planning. The list itself, while subjective, provides invaluable insights into the evolution of warfare and the enduring qualities of exceptional leadership.
Methodology and Criteria for the "100 Greatest Generals in History":
Creating the "100 greatest generals in history" requires a rigorous methodology. This list, compiled through extensive research and expert consultation, considered several key factors:
Scale of Operations: The scope and complexity of campaigns undertaken. Did the general command armies numbering in the thousands or even millions?
Tactical Prowess: Skill in the deployment and maneuver of troops in battle, leading to decisive victories against superior forces or unconventional tactics.
Strategic Vision: The ability to formulate and execute long-term military strategies that ultimately secured victory.
Logistical Mastery: The effective management of supplies, resources, and personnel, crucial for sustained campaigns.
Political Acumen: The understanding and exploitation of political landscapes, including diplomacy and negotiation.
Impact and Legacy: The long-term impact of the general’s actions on the course of history and the enduring influence on military thought and practice.
Ethical Considerations: While victory is a key metric, ethical considerations and the treatment of both soldiers and civilians are also considered.
The List's Implications for the Military and Strategic Studies Industry:
The "100 greatest generals in history" list offers invaluable insights into the industry of military strategy and leadership. By studying the successes and failures of these historical figures, modern military strategists, business leaders, and political analysts can glean crucial lessons applicable to their own fields. For example, the strategic brilliance of Alexander the Great continues to inspire innovative thinking in modern warfare, while the logistical shortcomings of certain campaigns serve as cautionary tales. The list acts as a database of best practices and case studies, constantly enriching the discussions within military academies, think tanks, and corporate boardrooms. Understanding the strategies employed by figures on the "100 greatest generals in history" list, from Sun Tzu to George Patton, provides valuable frameworks for analyzing modern conflicts and formulating effective strategies.
Some Notable Generals on the "100 Greatest Generals in History" List:
This list is far too extensive to cover comprehensively in this article, but some stand-out figures demonstrate the diversity of leadership and strategic skills considered:
Alexander the Great: His unparalleled speed and tactical brilliance redefined the ancient world.
Julius Caesar: A master of both military tactics and political manipulation.
Genghis Khan: His organizational genius and innovative cavalry tactics created a vast empire.
Sun Tzu: His enduring treatise, The Art of War, remains a cornerstone of military strategy.
Napoleon Bonaparte: A transformative figure who revolutionized warfare through his use of combined arms.
Erwin Rommel: The "Desert Fox" famed for his tactical brilliance and adaptability in North Africa.
George Patton: A highly effective and controversial American general during World War II.
Each general's story contributes to a richer understanding of the challenges and complexities of warfare, illustrating the diversity of approaches to achieve success. Studying the "100 greatest generals in history" offers a compelling narrative of human ambition, strategic thinking, and the enduring human drive for power.
Conclusion:
The "100 greatest generals in history" list, while inevitably subjective, provides a valuable framework for studying leadership, strategy, and the evolution of warfare. It serves as a rich source of case studies and historical analysis, relevant not only to the military industry but also to fields such as business management, political science, and leadership development. By analyzing the successes and failures of these remarkable figures, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the qualities that define true leadership and strategic mastery. The implications extend far beyond the battlefield, offering timeless lessons applicable across various human endeavors.
FAQs:
1. How was the list of 100 greatest generals compiled? The list was created through extensive research by Dr. Finch and a panel of experts, considering factors like scale of operations, tactical prowess, strategic vision, logistical mastery, political acumen, impact, and ethical considerations.
2. Is the order of the list significant? The order is not strictly ranked, but rather a presentation of 100 influential generals, with their impact on history being the primary factor.
3. What criteria were used to exclude certain generals? Generals were excluded if their impact was regionally limited, if their ethical conduct was severely questionable, or if insufficient reliable historical data existed.
4. How does this list compare to other similar lists? Different lists will naturally vary in their selections and rankings due to the inherent subjectivity of the topic. This list prioritizes a balanced assessment of various factors contributing to a general's "greatness."
5. Can this list be used for contemporary military education? Absolutely. The list offers valuable case studies for analyzing strategic decision-making, tactical maneuvers, and leadership styles.
6. What is the role of technological advancements in shaping the "greatness" of a general? Technological advancements are considered, but the list emphasizes the general's ability to adapt to and effectively utilize these advancements, as well as their strategic insights independent of technology.
7. Is there a bias towards Western generals on the list? While Western generals are prominent, the list strives for global representation, including figures from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, a lack of readily available data from certain regions creates unavoidable limitations.
8. How does this list address the ethical implications of warfare? The list acknowledges the ethical complexities of warfare and considers the conduct of generals beyond battlefield victories, taking into account their treatment of soldiers and civilians.
9. Where can I find the complete list of 100 greatest generals? The complete list will be available in the forthcoming publication by Zenith Press.
Related Articles:
1. The Art of War and Its Modern Applications: An analysis of Sun Tzu's timeless strategies and their relevance in contemporary business and military planning.
2. Alexander the Great's Military Campaigns: A Tactical Analysis: A detailed breakdown of Alexander's key battles, exploring his innovative strategies and tactical brilliance.
3. Genghis Khan's Organizational Genius: Building a Global Empire: Examining the logistical and organizational systems that enabled Genghis Khan's conquests.
4. Napoleon's Grand Strategy: The Rise and Fall of an Empire: A critical evaluation of Napoleon's military strategies, political maneuvers, and ultimate downfall.
5. Rommel's Desert Warfare: Tactics and Leadership in North Africa: An in-depth analysis of Rommel's strategies, his innovative approach to desert warfare, and his legendary reputation.
6. Patton's Leadership Style: Controversies and Successes: A balanced assessment of Patton's impact on WWII, acknowledging his military genius while exploring the controversies surrounding his personality.
7. The Impact of Logistics on Military Victories: A study of how effective logistical support played a decisive role in shaping the outcome of historical battles.
8. Ethics in Warfare: A Historical Perspective: An examination of the ethical dilemmas faced by historical generals and the evolving understanding of ethical conduct in military campaigns.
9. The Evolution of Warfare: From Ancient Battles to Modern Conflicts: A comprehensive overview of the transformation of warfare throughout history, highlighting the role of technology and strategy.
| 100 greatest generals in history: Military Commanders Nigel Cawthorne, 2004 From ancient Greece to Desert Storm, Military Commanders presents a chronological history of great battles and the men who won them. Beginning with Leonidas of Sparta, who died at Thermopylae and ending with Colin Powell, this book includes such world famous leaders as Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Grant and Lee, Patton and Rommel. In addition, it includes the military theorist Sun Tzu, who wrote The Art of War, as well as lesser known but important figures, such as Red Cloud, Shaka Zulu, and General Giap. Military Commanders, containing pertinent quotations, anecdotes, and detailed facts is a highly-readable combination of history and biography. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The World's Greatest Military Leaders Martin Windrow, Francis K. Mason, 2000 The two hundred personalities described in this book have a fair claim to being the most significant in the last thousand years of military history. They include warrior kings and sultans, field marshals and ministers, tribal chiefs and junior officers. The majority of the entries are naturally concerned with field commanders; but the most influential theorists and administrators -- men like Clausewitz, Steuben, and Carnot -- also qualify for notice. -- inside cover. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: History's Greatest Generals Michael Rank, 2013-11-04 From the #1 bestselling author of The Crusades and the Soldiers of the Cross comes an exciting new book on the greatest minds of military leadership in history. Whether it is Hannibal of Carthage marching elephants across the Alps and attacking the heart of Rome, Khalid ibn al-Walid boasting an undefeated military career and destroying the Persian Empire while subduing the Byzantines, or Russian General Alexander Suvurov and his elevation of the bayonet to a work of art that could cut down any European army, great military leaders have exerted tremendous influence on society. This book will look at the lives of the ten greatest military commanders in history. Some conquered the fullest expanse of the known world, as did Alexander the Great. Still others were master statesmen and capable of translating military victory into long-term political gains, such as Julius Caesar, whose vanquishing of the Gauls and his political opponents laid the groundwork for several centuries of unmatchable Roman imperial might. It will also look at the tactics they used to bring down stronger armies and befuddle them at every turn; whether it is Napoleon, who nearly conquered Europe through his deadly manoeuvre sur les derrieres and marching unexpectedly away from the enemy's main strength and concentrating on a weak but vital enemy point; or Hannibal's double entrapment maneuver, which has been the envy of military strategists for the last 2,000 years. Whatever their background, these rulers show that the right military commander at the right time in history can destroy an empire, change civilization, and alter the course of world history forever. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Julius Caesar: Lessons in Leadership from the Great Conqueror Bill Yenne, 2012-01-31 No ancient ruler inspired more legends than Julius Caesar. Under his leadership, Rome conquered territory throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, reaching the North Sea and conducting the first Roman invasion of Great Britain. His tactical acumen and intuitive understanding of how armies work birthed a military structure that allowed Roman generals to expand the boundaries of the empire for generations, and his vision of a unified Europe inspired military leaders for hundreds of years. Yet, in addition to his commanding leadership of Roman troops, Caesar was also a gifted orator and skilled politician who successfully maneuvered within the most complex and well-established bureaucratic system in the world. In this fast-paced look at one of the greatest generals the world has ever seen, acclaimed author Bill Yenne charts the major events that shaped Caesar's leadership, his rise to power, and his crashing fall. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Manstein Mungo Melvin, 2010-05-06 The first proper biography of Germany's most controversial military hero. The story of the military genius Field Marshal Erich von Manstein chronicles the misguided generation of German generals in the Second World War who claimed they fought for Germany, not for Hitler and National Socialism. The polished, urbane von Manstein was no uncouth Nazi. He persuaded the British writer Liddell Hart to assist in organising his defence during his war crimes trial at Hamburg in 1949. Sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment, he was released after three and then advised the West German government in raising its new army in the 1950s. Manstein was the mastermind who created the plan for the 1940 blitzkrieg that overran France in just six weeks. He played a key role in the invasion of Russia and conquered the Crimea, but failed to rescue the doomed Sixth Army at Stalingrad, his most controversial campaign. Three months after the inevitable failure there, he inflicted a massive defeat on the Red Army at Kharkov in a brilliantly designed counter-attack: a battle that has been studied in military academies ever since. Major-General Mungo Melvin speaks good German and knows Germany well. He has been assisted by the Manstein family, has delved deeply into the military archives and studied many of Manstein's battlefields close at hand. His book is much more than a biography of an extraordinary soldier: it describes the dilemmas encountered on operations and highlights the enduring tensions between senior military commanders and their political leaders in the prosecution of strategy. In Germany today, Manstein has become a symbol of the moral corruption of the Wehrmacht, whose commanders' actions enabled Hitler to prosecute a devastating war of conquest and perpetrate the Holocaust. This book reveals the true story of Hitler and his greatest general. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Great Commanders Christopher Richard Gabel, James H. Willbanks, 2012-01-01 This volume is not a study of the 'greatest' commanders; rather, it is an examination of commanders who should be considered great. The seven leaders examined, in various domains of ground, sea, and air, each in their own way successfully addressed the challenges of military endeavor in their time and changed the world in which they lived--Foreword. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The Giant Book of Military Leaders Michael Lee Lanning, 1997 |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Great Generals of the Napoleonic Wars and Their Battles, 1805-1815 Andrew Uffindell, 2003 This in-depth survey of the greatest generals of the Napoleonic wars offers biographical information of twelve oustanding military commanders including Napoleon, Wellington, Blucher, Kutusov and Archduke Charles; with analysis of each general and and their battles. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The Great Commanders of the Medieval World 454-1582AD Andrew Roberts, 2016-05-17 What qualities made Attila the Hun a strategist of genius? How did Henry V of England achieve victory at Agincourt for the loss of a few hundred of his men, when the mounted French knights suffered casualties in the thousands? Why was Hernán Cortés able to lead a ragged band of men to bring down the extraordinary power of the Aztec empire? The answers to these and a myriad other fascinating questions can be found in Great Commanders of the Medieval World, a sumptuous chronological survey of the 25 greatest commanders of the medieval world. Compiled by an distinguished team of historians (including such names as Jonathan Sumption, Felipe Fernández-Armesto and John Julius Norwich) working under the general editorship of Andrew Roberts, Great Commanders of the Medieval World is an authoritative and beautifully illustrated account of the lives and careers of the 25 greatest military commanders of the period, from William the Conqueror to Genghis Khan, from the Black Prince to Tamerlaine, and from Joan of Arc to Süleyman the Magnificent. Every commander is profiled in a concise and informative 3000-word article which not only brings its subject vividly to life via a lively, fact-driven narrative, but also analyses and assesses his tactical and strategic gifts. As accessible and informative as it is rigorous and scholarly, Great Commanders of the Medieval World is the perfect introduction to its subject for the layperson - but also a stimulating and thought-provoking read for those with greater knowledge of military history. With its companion volumes, focusing on the great commanders of the ancient, early modern and modern eras, it forms an indispensable guide to the greatest generals the world has seen. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: How Great Generals Win Bevin Alexander, 1993-08-17 An astute military historian's appraisal of what separates the sheep from the wolves in the great game of War. —Kirkus Reviews If a key to military victory is to get there first with the most, the true test of the great general is to decide where there is—the enemy's Achilles heel. Here is a narrative account of decisive engagements that succeeded by brilliant strategy more than by direct force. The reader accompanies those who fought, from Roman legionaries and Mongol horsemen to Napoleonic soldiery, American Civil War Rebels and Yankees, World War I Tommies, Lawrence of Arabia's bedouins, Chinese revolutionaries, British Desert Rats, Rommel's Afrika Korps, and Douglas MacArthur's Inchon invaders. However varied their weapons, the soldiers of all these eras followed a commander who faced the same obstacles and demonstrated the strategic and tactical genius essential for victory. All warfare is based on deception, wrote Sun Tzu in The Art of War in 400 BCE. Bevin Alexander shows how great generals have interpreted this advice, and why it still holds true today. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: History's Greatest Military Commanders Barry Linton, 2015-05-30 Armed conflict has produced many of the great leaders in human history. Some fought purely for glory, others waged war out of desperation, and even more were driven by a sense of duty. Every leader has human qualities that transcend time and culture. The lessons taught, tactics used, and losses suffered stand as a testament to their lives and accomplishments. In his book entitled History's Greatest Military Commanders author Barry Linton covers these leaders and great military commanders in fascinating detail, highlighting their distinguishable backgrounds and origins. Many were conquerors, some were innovators, and even others were liberators. One trait shared by all of these leaders is the willingness to adapt and overcome.This book presents the true stories and struggles faced by these Commanders. Detailed battlefield plans are outlined, giving a step by step account of many important battles as well as information describing the context of each battle. The Commanders featured are drawn from all major periods of human history. Their achievements as well as their failures are highlighted, combined with the impact they had on the greater world and history. Follow along as we detail memorable historic greats such as: Sun Tzu, Alexander the Great, Pyrrhus of Epirus, Darius the Third, Scipio Africanus, Hannibal Barca, Julius Caesar, Attila the Hun, Belisarius, Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, Charlemagne, Saladin, Genghis Khan, Timur, Edward the Black Prince, Suleiman the Magnificent, Oda Nobunaga, Yi Sun-sin, Hernan Cortes, Gustavus Adolphus, Duke of Marlborough, George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Duke of Wellington, Horatio Nelson, Helmut von Moltke the Elder, Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Togo Heihachiro, John Monash, Erwin Rommel, Georgy Zhukov, Bernard Montgomery, George Patto |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Churchill's Generals John Keegan, 2012-09-06 John Keegan has assembled a cast of seventeen generals whose reputations were made (and some of them broken) by Churchill and the Second World War. Churchill's reputation as prime minister during the Second World War fluctuated according to the successes and failures of his generals. Most of them were household names, and often heroes, during the war years. All of them were prey to the intolerance, interference, irascibility - and the inspiration - of the man who wanted to be both the general in the field and the presiding strategic genius. He sacked his warlords ruthlessly, yet in the end he came to be served by perhaps the greatest generals this country has ever produced. Includes chapters on Wavell, Ironside, Ritchie, Auchinleck, Montgomery, Alexander, Percival, Wingate, Slim and Carton de Wiart. Note: The Publisher regrets that the biographical note for Gary Sheffield is incorrect in the book. Please refer to the Orion website (www.orionbooks.co.uk) for the correct version. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The Top 5 Greatest Generals Charles River Charles River Editors, 2018-02-23 *Includes pictures depicting important people, places, and events in each man''s life. Discusses interesting, lesser known facts about each man and answers common myths and misconceptions about them. Was Alexander referenced in the Qur''an? What were Caesar''s last words? Was Napoleon really short? Includes bibliographies on Napoleon and Alexander for further reading. Over the last 2,000 years, ambitious men have dreamed of conquering vast empires and attaining eternal glory in battle, but of all the men who took steps toward such dreams, few were as successful as Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, and Napoleon Bonaparte, all of whom have been inextricably tied together by their successes and ambitions. Over the last 200 years, would-be conquerors and generals hoped to rival Napoleon''s accomplishments, while Napoleon aimed to emulate the accomplishments of Julius Caesar. But Caesar himself found inspiration in Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.), the Macedonian King who managed to stretch an empire from Greece to the Himalayas in Asia at just 30 years old. It took less than 15 years for Alexander to conquer much of the known world. Alexander was responsible for establishing 20 cities in his name across the world, most notably Alexandria in Egypt, and he was directly responsible for spreading Ancient Greek culture as far east as modern day India and other parts of Asia. Hannibal has the distinction of being the only man who nearly brought Rome to its knees before its decline almost 700 years later. Rome never suffered a more horrifying defeat in its history than at Cannae, and indeed, Hannibal nearly rewrote the course of Western history during the Second Punic War. Even today there remains great debate on just how he accomplished his masterful invasion of Italy across the Alps. Since his army included war elephants, historians still argue over exactly where and how he crossed over 2,000 years after he managed that incredible feat. Hannibal will always be listed among history''s greatest generals, and his military campaign in Italy during the Second Punic War will always be studied, but part of the aura and mystique surrounding the Carthaginian legend is that there is still a lot of mystery. The ultimate conqueror, statesman, dictator, visionary, and opportunist, during his time in power Caesar expanded the borders of Rome to almost twice their previous size, revolutionized the infrastructure of the Roman state, and destroyed the Roman Republic for good, leaving a line of emperors in its place. His legacy is so strong that his name has become, in many languages, synonymous with power: the Emperors of Austria and Germany bore the title Kaiser, and the Czars of Russia also owe the etymology of their title to Caesar. His name also crept further eastward out of Europe, even cropping up in Hindi and Urdu, where the term for Emperor is Kaisar. In a world fascinated by men like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan is one of history''s greatest and most famous conquerors. No man, before or since, has ever started with so little and gone on to achieve so much. From a noble family but raised in poverty that drove him to the brink of starvation, Genghis Khan rose to control the second-largest empire the world has ever known (the largest being, arguably, the British Empire of the 18th and 19th centuries), and easily the largest empire conquered by a single man. Napoleon Bonaparte was the most successful French leader since Charlemagne and widely acknowledged as one of the greatest generals ever. Indeed, Napoleon was likely the most influential man of the 19th century, leaving an indelible mark on everything from the strategy and tactics of warfare to the Napoleonic Code that drafted laws across the continent. To defeat Napoleon, the Europeans had to form large coalitions multiple times, which helped bring about the entangling alliances that sparked World War I. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: In the Name of Rome Adrian Goldsworthy, 2016-02-23 A definitive history of the great commanders of ancient Rome, from bestselling author Adrian Goldsworthy. “In his elegantly accessible style, Goldsworthy offers gripping and swiftly erudite accounts of Roman wars and the great captains who fought them. His heroes are never flavorless and generic, but magnificently Roman. And it is especially Goldsworthy's vision of commanders deftly surfing the giant, irresistible waves of Roman military tradition, while navigating the floating logs, reefs, and treacherous sandbanks of Roman civilian politics, that makes the book indispensable not only to those interested in Rome and her battles, but to anyone who finds it astounding that military men, at once driven and imperiled by the odd and idiosyncratic ways of their societies, can accomplish great deeds.” —J. E. Lendon, author of Soldiers and Ghosts: A History of Battle in Classical Antiquity |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Achtung-Panzer! Heinz Guderian, 1995 This is one of the most significant military books of the twentieth century. By an outstanding soldier of independent mind, it pushed forward the evolution of land warfare and was directly responsible for German armoured supremacy in the early years of the Second World War. Published in 1937, the result of 15 years of careful study since his days on the German General Staff in the First World War, Guderian's book argued, quite clearly, how vital the proper use of tanks and supporting armoured vehicles would be in the conduct of a future war. When that war came, just two years later, he proved it, leading his Panzers with distinction in the Polish, French and Russian campaigns. Panzer warfare had come of age, exactly as he had forecast. This first English translation of Heinz Guderian's classic book - used as a textbook by Panzer officers in the war - has an introduction and extensive background notes by the modern English historian Paul Harris. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Great Captains Theodore Ayrault Dodge, 1889 |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Command Of The Air General Giulio Douhet, 2014-08-15 In the pantheon of air power spokesmen, Giulio Douhet holds center stage. His writings, more often cited than perhaps actually read, appear as excerpts and aphorisms in the writings of numerous other air power spokesmen, advocates-and critics. Though a highly controversial figure, the very controversy that surrounds him offers to us a testimonial of the value and depth of his work, and the need for airmen today to become familiar with his thought. The progressive development of air power to the point where, today, it is more correct to refer to aerospace power has not outdated the notions of Douhet in the slightest In fact, in many ways, the kinds of technological capabilities that we enjoy as a global air power provider attest to the breadth of his vision. Douhet, together with Hugh “Boom” Trenchard of Great Britain and William “Billy” Mitchell of the United States, is justly recognized as one of the three great spokesmen of the early air power era. This reprint is offered in the spirit of continuing the dialogue that Douhet himself so perceptively began with the first edition of this book, published in 1921. Readers may well find much that they disagree with in this book, but also much that is of enduring value. The vital necessity of Douhet’s central vision-that command of the air is all important in modern warfare-has been proven throughout the history of wars in this century, from the fighting over the Somme to the air war over Kuwait and Iraq. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Great Generals of the Ancient World Richard A. Gabriel, 2017-01-30 The military expert and author of Philip II of Macedonia presents 9 profiles of exemplary leadership from the ancient world. Of all the military commanders throughout history, only a few are remembered as great leaders of men in battle. Is there a combination of personal attributes and historical circumstances that produces great commanders? Professor Richard A. Gabriel analyses the biographies of ten great generals, all of whom lived between 1481 BC and AD 632, in order to identify the characteristics of intellect, psychology, personality, and experience that allowed them to tread the path to greatness. Some of the names included in Gabriel’s selection, such as Moses and Muhammad, will surprise many readers—as will the historical figures Gabriel chooses to omit, including Alexander the Great and Atilla the Hun. But Gabriel is not merely interested in famous military exploits. A retired soldier and professor at the Canadian Defence College, he distils the timeless essence of military leadership through the examples of Julius Caesar, Philip II of Macedonia, Thutmose III of Egypt, and others |
| 100 greatest generals in history: A Very Stable Genius Carol D. Leonnig, Philip Rucker, 2020-01-21 THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER * UPDATED WITH NEW REPORTING * 'It's all here in this stunning first draft of the history of the presidency of Donald Trump' Sydney Morning Herald 'An icy, Iago-like glimpse of the emotional and moral nullity that may be the source of Trump's power' Observer 'A damning, well-reported, well-sourced and clearly written haymaker' Sunday Times Drawing on nearly three years of reporting, hundreds of hours of interviews and more than two hundred sources, including some of the most senior members of the administration, friends and first-hand witnesses who have never spoken before, Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig take us inside some of the most controversial moments of Trump's presidency. They peer deeply into Trump's White House – at the aides pressured to lie to the public, the lawyers scrambling to clear up norm-breaking disasters, and the staffers whose careers have been reduced to ashes – to paint an unparalleled group portrait of an administration driven by self-preservation and paranoia. Rucker and Leonnig reveal Trump at his most unvarnished, showing the unhinged decision-making and incompetence that has floored officials and stunned foreign leaders. They portray unscripted calls with Vladimir Putin, steak dinners with Kim Jong-un, and calls with Theresa May so hostile that they left her aides shaken. They also take a hard look at Robert Mueller, Trump's greatest antagonist to date, and how his investigation slowly unravelled an administration whose universal value is loyalty – not to country, but to the president himself. Grippingly told, A Very Stable Genius is a behind-the-scenes account of Trump's vainglorious pursuit of power in his first term. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Commanders Bob Woodward, 2012-12-11 It is impossible to examine any part of the war on terrorism in the twenty-first century without seeing the hand of Dick Cheney, Colin Powell or one of their loyalists. The Commanders,an account of the use of the military in the first Bush administration, is in many respects their story -- the intimate account of the tensions, disagreements and debates on the road to war. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Generals in the Making Benjamin Runkle, 2019-07-26 Shakespeare famously wrote that some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Part military history and part group biography, Generals in the Making tells the amazing true story of how George Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, and their peers became the greatest generation of senior commanders in military history. As the U.S. Army’s triumphant homecoming from World War I was quickly forgotten amidst two decades filled with economic depression and growing isolationism, Marshall, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Patton, Omar Bradley, Lucian Truscott, Matthew Ridgway, and their brothers in arms toiled in a profession most Americans viewed with distrust. Before they became legends, these young officers served their country in posts from Washington D.C. to Panama, from West Point to war-torn China. They taught and studied together in the Army’s schools, attempting to innovate in an era of shrinking budgets, obsolete equipment, and skeletal forces. Beyond these professional challenges, they endured shattering personal tragedies: the sudden deaths of children or spouses, divorce, depression, and court martial. Yet when the world faced possibly its darkest hour, as fascism and barbarism were on the march, they stood ready to lead America’s young men in the fight for civilization. By the end of World War II, even German commanders expressed amazement at the dynamic change in American military leadership since the Great War. Generals in the Making is the first comprehensive history of America’s World War II generals between the wars, an invaluable prequel to every history of that war. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Commanders R. G. Grant, 2011-03 A visual guide to the tactics, campaigns, and genius of the greatest military commanders in history From Alexander the Great�s conquest of the known world right up to the generals leading today�s campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, Commanders casts new light on the leaders who have forged history on the battlefield. Packed with special illustrations and photography, battle maps and artefacts, explore the lives and conquests of over 240 commanders, with in-depth profiles on 21 key figures, such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon and Nelson. Discover more about their enemies, from Pompey and Boudicca to Marshal Ney and Kutuzov, revealing their defining moments and key battles. �Clash of the Commanders� features show how one commander triumphed and another failed, with timelines plotting the key moves on both sides. Quotes from the commanders themselves, features on their personal effects, weapons, vehicles and portraits, all bring the lives and careers of these commanders to life. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Seventeen Seventy-six David McCullough, 2006-07-04 Chronicles the American Revolution during the year 1776, examining the leadership of George Washington and British commander William Howe and the experiences of American and British troops. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Alexander the Great Bill Yenne, 2010-04-13 When the Oracle of Delphi told Alexander the Great that he was invincible, it was right. The son of the great King Philip II of Macedonia, Alexander was educated by Aristotle and commanded a wing of his father's army in the victory over the Thebans and Athenians at the Battle of Chaeronea—all when he was still just a teenager. By the time of his death at age 32, he had amassed an empire that stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Indus River and included all of Persia and most of Egypt. He ruled as both the shah of Persia and as a pharaoh of Egypt by right of conquest, and he was also crowned king of Asia. Here, historian Bill Yenne illuminates the legendary vision of this classical hero. Exhibiting the best traits of a battlefield leader, Alexander was audacious, aggressive, fearless and victorious. His unfailing integration of strategic vision and tactical genius took him to the ends of the earth, and into immortality as a military leader. Alexander's influence on cultural and political history and the scope of his military prowess remains awe-inspiring to this day. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Great Commanders and Their Battles Anthony Livesey, 2003-01-01 These invaluable references employ remarkable computer technology that generates stunning graphics to bring to life memorable battles. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Leadership in War Andrew Roberts, 2019-10-29 A comparison of nine leaders who led their nations through the greatest wars the world has ever seen and whose unique strengths—and weaknesses—shaped the course of human history, from the bestselling, award-winning author of Churchill, Napoleon, and The Last King of America “Has the enjoyable feel of a lively dinner table conversation with an opinionated guest.” —The New York Times Book Review Taking us from the French Revolution to the Cold War, Andrew Roberts presents a bracingly honest and deeply insightful look at nine major figures in modern history: Napoleon Bonaparte, Horatio Nelson, Winston Churchill, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, George C. Marshall, Charles de Gaulle, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Margaret Thatcher. Each of these leaders fundamentally shaped the outcome of the war in which their nation was embroiled. Is war leadership unique, or did these leaders have something in common, traits and techniques that transcend time and place and can be applied to the essential nature of conflict? Meticulously researched and compellingly written, Leadership in War presents readers with fresh, complex portraits of leaders who approached war with different tactics and weapons, but with the common goal of success in the face of battle. Both inspiring and cautionary, these portraits offer important lessons on leadership in times of struggle, unease, and discord. With his trademark verve and incisive observation, Roberts reveals the qualities that doom even the most promising leaders to failure, as well as the traits that lead to victory. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Generalship, Its Diseases and Their Cure John Frederick Charles Fuller, 1933 |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The Worst Military Leaders in History John M. Jennings, Chuck Steele, 2023-08-21 Spanning countries and centuries, a “how-not-to” guide to leadership that reveals the most maladroit military commanders in history—now in paperback. For this book, fifteen distinguished historians were given a deceptively simple task: identify their choice for the worst military leader in history and then explain why theirs is the worst. From the clueless Conrad von Hötzendorf and George A. Custer to the criminal Baron Roman F. von Ungern-Sternberg and the bungling Garnet Wolseley, this book presents a rogues’ gallery of military incompetents. Rather than merely rehashing biographical details, the contributors take an original and unconventional look at military leadership in a way that appeals to both specialists and general readers alike. While there are plenty of books that analyze the keys to success, The Worst Military Leaders in History offers lessons of failure to avoid. In other words, this book is a “how-not-to” guide to leadership. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Masters of Command Barry Strauss, 2013-05-21 Analyzes the leadership and strategies of three forefront military leaders from the ancient world, offers insight into the purposes behind their conflicts, and shows what today's leaders can glean from their successes and failures. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Monash and Chauvel Roland Perry, 2017-10-25 Monash and Chauvel is a gripping narrative history that follows the extraordinary campaigns of the two most outstanding battlefield commanders of the First World War across all the Allied armies: John Monash and Harry Chauvel. John Monash commanded the Australian forces on the Western Front at the most critical time of the war, 1918. With his German Jewish heritage, Monash was an outsider who had risen to his position through his ground-breaking military achievements. Almost uniquely among Allied generals on the Western Front, he learned the lessons of past failures and devised the tactics that allowed his Australian troops to break through the stalemate of trench warfare, masterminding crucial battles, including Amiens, Mont St Quentin, Peronne, and at the Hindenburg Line that broke the German Army in France. In the war against the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East, Harry Chauvel led the 34,000-strong Desert Mounted Column. Chauvel was an Empire man, who considered himself as British first, Australian second. His attitude changed in the course of the war, when he realised he would have to ignore the directives of his British superiors and take the initiative in planning battle tactics himself if he was to defeat the Turks. He did this at Romani in the Sinai in August 1916; at Beersheba on 31 October 1917; and in the final 1918 drive to push the Turks right out of the Middle East after 400 years of brutal rule over the Arab tribes. By the end of the war Monash and Chauvel had brought a distinctly Australian sensibility to their areas of operation, involving flexibility, innovation and a deep respect for the troops they led, which was in turn reciprocated by their men. Their impact on the war was immense and, in this fascinating and compelling account, bestselling author Roland Perry does full justice to their extraordinary careers and the soldiers under their command. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The Three Generals Martin Tessmer, 2015-01-04 210 BCE. The Roman Republic battles mighty Carthage for control of the Mediterranean. Mago, Gisgo, and Hasdrubal Barca hold Iberia and its riches firmly within their grip, preparing to send Hannibal the Great enough resources to destroy Rome forever. As the course of western civilization hangs in the balance, young Scipio sails to Iberia with a raw and undermanned army, undertaking a mission no other general would assume: to wrest control of Iberia from the Three Generals, the men who killed his father and uncle. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: British Generals in Blair's Wars Jonathan Bailey, Richard Iron, Hew Strachan, 2013-07-01 En række afhandlinger baseret på britiske ledende officerers erfaringer fra operationer, udført under krige britiske tropper har deltaget i efter afslutningen af den kolde krig i den periode, Tony Blair var britisk statsminmister. Vægten er lagt på krigene i Irak og Afghanistan. Konflikterne og krigene var i høj grad udfordrende for de officer, der førte de britiske enheder. Man var nødt til at revidere koncepter og doktriner gældende under den kolde krig, for at kunne leve op til krav, der stilles til militær indsats i nutiden. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Blenheim 1704 John Tincey, 2004-07-25 Osprey's study of the Blenheim campaign, Britiain's defining battle of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). Combining one of history's most audacious strategic manoeuvres with perhaps the greatest military victory ever won by a British commander, the Blenheim campaign is rightly considered the pinnacle of the career of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough. On 13 August 1704, Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy faced a Franco-Bavarian army threatening to knock Austria out of the War of the Spanish Succession. In a hard-fought battle Marlborough won a resounding victory, capturing Marshal Tallard and over 14,000 men. In this book John Tincey describes how Marlborough's victory crushed his enemies, shattered the myth of French invincibility and laid the foundations for two centuries of British world dominance. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Cross Channel Attack Gordon A. Harrison, 1993-12 Discusses the Allied invasion of Normandy, with extensive details about the planning stage, called Operation Overlord, as well as the fighting on Utah and Omaha Beaches. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Gods of War James Lacey, Williamson Murray, 2020-05-19 Hannibal vs. Scipio. Grant vs. Lee. Rommel vs. Patton. The greatest battles, commanders, and rivalries of all time come to life in this engrossing guide to the geniuses of military history. “A compelling study of military leadership.”—James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom Any meeting of genius may create sparks, but when military geniuses meet, their confrontations play out upon a vast panorama of states or civilizations at war, wielding the full destructive power of a mighty nation’s armies. Gods of War is the first single-volume, in-depth examination of the most celebrated military rivalries of all time, and of the rare, world-changing battles in which these great commanders in history matched themselves against true equals. From Caesar and Pompey deciding the fate of the Roman Republic, to Grant and Lee battling for a year during the American Civil War, to Rommel and Montgomery and Patton meeting in battle after battle as Hitler strove for European domination, these match-ups and their corresponding strategies are among the most memorable in history. A thrilling look into both the generals’ lives and their hardest-fought battles, Gods of War is also a thought-provoking analysis of the qualities that make a strong commander and a deep exploration of the historical context in which the contestants were required to wage war, all told with rousing narrative flair. And in a time when technology has made the potential costs of war even greater, it is a masterful look at how military strategy has evolved and what it will take for leaders to guide their nations to peace in the future. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Subotai the Valiant Richard A. Gabriel, 2004-06-30 This book tells the story of Subotai the Valiant, a warrior for Genghis Khan and one of the greatest generals in military history. Subotai commanded armies whose size, scale, and scope of operations surpassed those led by any other commander in the ancient world. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: A History of War in 100 Battles R. J. Overy, 2014 Their very names--Gettysburg, Waterloo, Stalingrad--evoke images of great triumph and equally great suffering, moments when history seemed to hang in the balance. Considered in relation to each other, such battles--and others of less immediate renown--offer insight into the changing nature of armed combat, advances in technology, shifts in strategy and thought, as well as altered geopolitical landscapes. The most significant military engagements in history define the very nature of war. In his newest book, Richard Overy plumbs over 3,000 years of history, from the Fall of Troy in 1200 BC to the Fall of Baghdad in 2003, to locate the 100 battles that he believes the most momentous. Arranged by themes such as leadership, innovation, deception, and courage under fire, Overy presents engaging essays on each battle that together provide a rich picture of how combat has changed through the ages, as well as highlighting what has remained consistent despite advances in technology. The battles covered here offer a wide geographic sweep, from ancient Greece to China, Constantinople to Moscow, North to South America, providing a picture of the dominant empires across time and context for comparison between various military cultures. From familiar engagements like Thermopylae (480 BC), Verdun (1916), and the Tet Offensive (1968) to lesser-studied battles such as Zama (202 BC), Arsuf (1191), and Navarino Bay (1827), Overy presents the key actors, choices, and contingencies, focusing on those details--sometimes overlooked--that decided the battle. The American victory at the Battle of Midway, for example, was determined by only ten bombs. It was, as Wellington said of Waterloo, a near run thing. Rather than focusing on the question of victory or defeat, Overy examines what an engagement can tell us on a larger level about the history of warfare itself. New weapons and tactics can have a sudden impact on the outcome of a battle--but so too can leadership, or the effects of a clever deception, or raw courage. Overy offers a deft and visually captivating look at the engagements that have shaped the course of human history, and changed the face of warfare. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: The Most Dangerous Man in America Mark Perry, 2014-04-01 At times, even his admirers seemed unsure of what to do with General Douglas MacArthur. Imperious, headstrong, and vain, MacArthur matched an undeniable military genius with a massive ego and a rebellious streak that often seemed to destine him for the dustbin of history. Yet despite his flaws, MacArthur is remembered as a brilliant commander whose combined-arms operation in the Pacific -- the first in the history of warfare -- secured America's triumph in World War II and changed the course of history. In The Most Dangerous Man in America, celebrated historian Mark Perry examines how this paradox of a man overcame personal and professional challenges to lead his countrymen in their darkest hour. As Perry shows, Franklin Roosevelt and a handful of MacArthur's subordinates made this feat possible, taming MacArthur, making him useful, and finally making him victorious. A gripping, authoritative biography of the Pacific Theater's most celebrated and misunderstood commander, The Most Dangerous Man in America reveals the secrets of Douglas MacArthur's success -- and the incredible efforts of the men who made it possible. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: A History of Warfare John Keegan, 2012-09-19 The acclaimed author and preeminent military historian John Keegan examines centuries of human conflict. From primitive man in the bronze age to the end of the cold war in the twentieth century, Keegan shows how armed conflict has been a primary preoccupation throughout the history of civilization and how deeply rooted its practice has become in our cultures. Keegan is at once the most readable and the most original of living military historians . . . A History of Warfare is perhaps the most remarkable study of warfare that has yet been written.--The New York Times Book Review. |
| 100 greatest generals in history: Khalid Bin Al-Waleed Akram, 1979-01-02 Khalid ibn Walid was also known as Sayf Allah al-Maslūl (Drawn Sword of God), a companion of the Prophet and noted for his military tactics and prowess. It was under his military leadership that Arabia, for the first time in history, was united under a single political entity, the Caliphate. His strategic achievements include the conquest of Arabia, Persian Mesopotamia and Roman Syria. He is also remembered for his decisive victories at Yamamah, Ullais and Firaz, and his tactical successes at Walaja and Yarmouk. |
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The meaning of 0% and 100% as oppose…
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writing style - How to write numbers and p…
Jul 27, 2019 · [Relevant examples;] 1%[;] 45%[;] 100%. In discussions …
Using "and" with numbers - English La…
For British English, numbers greater than 100 and less than 1000 always include and …
How do you say 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 in words?
Jun 23, 2015 · 100 trillion in most (non-English speaking) other places. (Practical approach: The different naming patterns for large numbers obviously can lead to misunderstandings …
The meaning of 0% and 100% as opposed to other percentages?
Aug 29, 2015 · So you may refund all of a loan (with interests) without paying 100% of it: the rounding rule sometimes apply also with 100% (or 0%). When rounding the amount of killed …
How to spell out dollars and cents [duplicate]
If you're writing the amount on a check, where the word "dollars" is preprinted at the end of the line, the convention is to write "Forty-two thousand and 00/100", which is then followed by the …
writing style - How to write numbers and percentage? - English …
Jul 27, 2019 · [Relevant examples;] 1%[;] 45%[;] 100%. In discussions involving infrequent use of numbers you may spell out a percentage or an amount of money if you can do so in three …
Using "and" with numbers - English Language & Usage Stack …
For British English, numbers greater than 100 and less than 1000 always include and between the “hundreds” figure and the other part: Three hundred and forty-two Four hundred. Numbers …
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You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take. 1991 Burton W. Kanter, "AARP—Asset Accumulation, Retention and Protection," Taxes 69: 717: "Wayne Gretzky, relating the …
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Jun 6, 2014 · Stack Exchange Network. Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for …
sentence construction - "in total" or just "total"? - English …
Oct 3, 2022 · What is the correct way to write the following sentence about the total goals scored during his career? "Scored 100 goals total" or "Scored 100 goals in total"?
"Thousand Dollars Worth" or "Thousand Dollars' Worth". Is this a ...
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Is it proper to state percentages greater than 100%?
This looks like a real question to me. Unfortunately, because a moderator has closed it, I can't cite style guide discussions that distinguish between asserting that something has increased by …
