In 1778, a Prussian volunteer arrived to turn farmers into a professional army
The struggling Continental Army received a vital boost in 1778 when Baron von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge to transform untrained volunteers into a disciplined, professional fighting force.
When Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge in February 1778, the American Revolution was in jeopardy. The troops were starving, diseased, and lacked basic military structure. Speaking little English, the Prussian officer used a translator to shout commands and teach the soldiers essential maneuvers and bayonet tactics.
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