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Army Leaders of the American Revolution

Here you will find information about the American, French, and British commanders who guided forces during the American Revolution.
American Revolution: Ethan Allen
A profile of Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys and an American officer during the Revolutionary War. Best known for his capture of Fort Ticonderoga, Ethan Allen served throughout the northern front and was heavily involved in Vermont politics.
American Revolution: General Sir Henry Clinton
General Sir Henry Clinton was a key British commander during the American Revolution. Initially serving under Gen. William Howe, Clinton became the British commander-in-chief in 1778. Leading British troops until 1782, Clinton oversaw the final British defeat in North America.
American Revolution: Lord Charles Cornwallis
Best known for his role in the American Revolution, Lord Charles Cornwallis was a noted British military commander and colonial governor in the 18th and 19th centuries. Forced to surrender to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781, Cornwallis later served as governor-general of India where he worked to reform British colonial administration.
American Revolution: General Thomas Gage
A veteran of the French & Indian War, General Thomas Gage commanded British forces in America during the opening days of the American Revolution. Appointed governor of Massachusetts in 1774, Gage's attempts to regain control of the colony led to the outbreak of fighting in April 1775. Later that year, Gage was recalled in favor of General William Howe.
American Revolution: Nathanael Greene
A native of Rhode Island, General Nathanael Greene served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. After several years with General George Washington's army, he was given command of Continental forces in the South. Fighting a brilliant campaign, Greene reclaimed much of the Carolinas by the war's end.
American Revolution: General Sir William Howe
General Sir William Howe was a key British commander during the American Revolution. Howe led took command of British forces in American in 1775 and conducted successful campaigns against New York and Philadelphia. Howe resigned in 1778 and returned to Britain.
American Revolution: General Henry Knox
A Boston patriot, Henry Knox was a bookseller at the beginning of the American Revolution. A student of artillery, he became Gen. George Washington's chief of artillery and served with the Continental Army for the duration of the war. With independence secured, Henry Knox served as the United States' first secretary of war.
American Revolution: Marquis de Lafayette
The Marquis de Lafayette was a French noble who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Arriving in 1777, Lafayette became one of Gen. George Washington's most trusted subordinates. Returning home, he played a prominent role in the early phases of the French Revolution.
American Revolution: General Hugh Mercer
Hugh Mercer was Scotsman who served as a surgeon in the Jacobite army at the Battle of Culloden. Fleeing to American after the collapse of the Forty-Five, he worked as a doctor and served as an officer in the French & Indian War. Joining American forces during the Revolution, Hugh Mercer served under Gen. George Washington until he was killed at the Battle of Princeton in early 1777.
American Revolution: Major General Richard Montgomery
Richard Montgomery was a career soldier who served as a major general during the American Revolution. After service in the French & Indian War with the British, Montgomery moved to America. Leading American forces at the Battle of Quebec, Montgomery was killed in the assault.
American Revolution: Banastre Tarleton
One of the most vilified British commanders of the American Revolution, Banastre Tarleton was an able cavalryman who earned fame for his cruel and heartless tactics in the Southern theater of the war. Later serving in Parliament, Banastre Tarleton was known for his advocacy of the slave trade.

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