Baron von Steuben: Savior at Valley Forge

Episode 164. Baron Friedrich von Steuben was a Prussian captain who, with few options, decided to help out the rebel American army against the British during the American Revolutionary War. He was sent to Valley Forge, where he saw the bleak conditions of the Continental Army under General George Washington. Using his knowledge and experience, he was able to train the soldiers in camp hygiene and battlefield tactics so they could hold their own against the British. von Steuben was also a gay man, which appeared to affect his military service in Europe. Join Emileigh and Morgan as they explore the life of one of the most important figures in US History.    Follow us on Instagram!  https://www.instagram.com/illequippedhistory/   Join our Facebook group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/illequippedhistory   Email us!  [email protected]   Check us out on TikTok!  https://www.tiktok.com/@illequipped.histo   Find us on YouTube!  https://www.youtube.com/@Ill-EquippedHistory    Donate to our Patreon!  https://www.patreon.com/illequippedhistory   Sources “General von Steuben”  https://www.nps.gov/vafo/learn/historyculture/vonsteuben.htm   “The Prussian Nobleman Who Helped Save the American Revolution” by Erick Trickey (Apr 26 2017) https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/baron-von-steuben-180963048/   “Baron von Steuben”  https://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/steuben.html#google_vignette   “Baron von Steuben”  https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/baron-von-steuben   “The Revolutionary War Hero Who Was Openly Gay” by Erin Blakemore (Jun 14 2018, updated Jan 31 2025) https://www.history.com/articles/openly-gay-revolutionary-war-hero-friedrich-von-steuben   “Baron von Steuben Biography and Facts” by Edward St. Germain https://www.americanrevolution.org/baron-von-steuben-biography/   “Valley Forge” by Mary Stockwell  https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/valley-forge   “Monmouth”  https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/monmouth   “Baron von Steuben: Gay Warrior Who Taught Washington’s Army How to Fight” by Harry Schenawolf (Jul 25 2015) https://revolutionarywarjournal.com/baron-von-steuben-a-gay-warrior-taught-washingtons-army-how-to-fight-2/   “Baron von Steuben Facts and Biography” by Russell Yost (Nov 1 2017, updated Nov 10 2023) https://thehistoryjunkie.com/baron-von-steuben-facts/   “Patriot General Von Steuben” https://mountgulian.org/history/general-von-steuben/  Sound Credits civil war gun fire.wav by electra -- https://freesound.org/s/442293/ -- License: Creative Commons 0   marching boots.wav by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/172369/ -- License: Attribution 4.0   sword against sword.wav by Fenodyrie -- https://freesound.org/s/568790/ -- License: Creative Commons 0   dog tripple bark by crazymonke9 -- https://freesound.org/s/418108/ -- License: Attribution 4.0