Word: steuben
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Dates: during 1920-1929
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...until Baron von Steuben, a Prussian from the court of Frederick the Great, came to Valley Forge, did the Army have either discipline or self-respect. He was the old type of Prussian, not the new. Democratic and kindhearted, he had difficulty in impressing officers, who believed themselves above such duties, that they should both drill and care for their men. He issued regulations in which he said: "His [the officer's] first object should be to gain the love of his men by treating them with every possible kindness and humanity...
...Baron von Steuben's lessons were forgotten. Bungling began at once. When war was declared, Canada was politely informed of the fact, but our troops in the West were not - were attacked unawares. Political Generals bungled horribly and troops walked out or fled before inferior forces of the enemy...