Who Was the Best British General in the American Revolution?
The American War of Independence (AWI) saw several notable British commanders, but it's debatable who emerged as the best general. Some argue that there were no great British generals in this conflict, while others highlight the capabilities of men like William Howe and Charles Cornwallis.
William Howe: The Reformer and Strategist
William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, played a pivotal role in reforming the Crown Forces, preparing them for significant engagements throughout the war. Howe's leadership and organizational restructuring made British forces more adaptable and efficient. Key elements of this reform included:
Introduction of British Light Infantry, Guards, Grenadiers, and Jaeger units, which were highly mobile and fought effectively, as described in Matthew Spring's book.
Creation of provincial and several line regiments with the 23rd, 33rd, and 71st being among them. These units were particularly effective when conducting assaults, as they could maneuver through difficult terrain.
Adopting a three-rank line of formation: "order" at two feet, "open order" at four feet, and "extended order" at ten feet, based on experience from the Seven Years War.
Case studies like the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of Brandywine illustrate Howe's strategic brilliance and the effectiveness of his reforms.
Charles Cornwallis: The Tenacious Commander
Charles Cornwallis is often praised for his aggressive and tactical prowess. Despite having fewer troops and facing constant harassment from smaller and guerrilla forces, he managed to achieve significant victories. Notable battles like King's Mountain, Cowpens, and eventually Yorktown showcase his leadership:
King's Mountain and Cowpens: Cornwallis used his smaller and more mobile forces strategically, even with limited manpower (less than 10,000 troops in total) and was constantly pursued by American guerrilla forces.
Yorktown Campaign: By the time of the Yorktown campaign, Cornwallis needed reinforcements and supplies, which, if the Royal Navy had successfully delivered, could have altered the outcome significantly.
It's important to note that Cornwallis's aggressive tactics were employed in both the north and the south. His contributions to the northern theater, helping to turn the tide after Howe's victories on Long Island and Manhattan, cannot be overlooked.
Comprehensive Analysis: A 5-Point Rating System
A recent analysis rated several generals on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best:
William Howe: Rated 5
Perspective: Howe was praised for his organizational restructuring of the Crown Forces, making them more prepared for significant engagements.
Charles Cornwallis: Rated 2
Perspective: Cornwallis is noted for his aggressiveness and tactical skills, despite sometimes being overextended and ultimately losing Yorktown.
Other Generals:
- Benedict Arnold: Rated 3 (talented and energetic)
- George Washington: Rated 3 (won the war, despite some mistakes)
- Guy Carleton: Rated 2 (unheralded talent)
- Henry Clinton: Rated 3 (best of the British)
- Henry Knox: Rated 2 (very dependable, got things done)
- Horatio Gates: Rated 2 (not without talent)
- John Burgoyne: Rated 2 (good planner, left in the lurch)
- Nathanael Greene: Rated 3 (got results in the south)
- Thomas Gage: Rated 1 (recalled for his mistakes)
- William Howe: Rated 1 (insufficiently aggressive, too negligent)
- Nathanael Greene: Rated 3 (got results in the south)
While opinions vary, it's clear that Cornwallis stands out for his aggressive and successful campaigns, particularly in the southern theater, even if his ultimate defeat at Yorktown often overshadows these achievements.