Army Leaders & Pioneers
Here you will find information about army leaders and pioneers from throughout military history. Read more about famous commanders from Themistocles to George S. Patton.
Muslim Invasions: Charles Martel
The leader of the Frankish army at the Battle of Tours in 732, Charles Martel played a key role in turning back the Muslim invasions of Europe. Charles Martel also founded the Carolingian Empire which was later ruled by his grandson, Charlemagne.
The leader of the Frankish army at the Battle of Tours in 732, Charles Martel played a key role in turning back the Muslim invasions of Europe. Charles Martel also founded the Carolingian Empire which was later ruled by his grandson, Charlemagne.
Crusades: Frederick I Barbarossa
Frederick I Barbarossa reigned as Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 to 1190. A gifted leader he sought to restore glory to the empire and campaigned in Germany and Italy to this end. Frederick Barbarossa was killed in southeastern Anatolia while leading his army on the Third Crusade.
Frederick I Barbarossa reigned as Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 to 1190. A gifted leader he sought to restore glory to the empire and campaigned in Germany and Italy to this end. Frederick Barbarossa was killed in southeastern Anatolia while leading his army on the Third Crusade.
Thirty Years' War: Albrecht von Wallenstein
A gifted commander, Albrecht von Wallenstein commanded Catholic troops in the service of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II during the Thirty Years' War. Noted for his victories in Dessau, Silesia, and at Alte Veste, von Wallenstein was also known for his ability to raise armies. In 1634, von Wallenstein was killed on the order of Ferdinand who believed that he was treacherous.
A gifted commander, Albrecht von Wallenstein commanded Catholic troops in the service of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II during the Thirty Years' War. Noted for his victories in Dessau, Silesia, and at Alte Veste, von Wallenstein was also known for his ability to raise armies. In 1634, von Wallenstein was killed on the order of Ferdinand who believed that he was treacherous.
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.
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: 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.
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.
Photo Gallery: Selected Union Generals of the Civil War
The Union Army employed hundreds of generals during the Civil War. This gallery provides an overview of several of the key Union generals who contributed to the Union's cause and helped guide its armies to victory.
The Union Army employed hundreds of generals during the Civil War. This gallery provides an overview of several of the key Union generals who contributed to the Union's cause and helped guide its armies to victory.
Photo Gallery: Selected Confederate Generals of the Civil War
The Confederate Army employed hundreds of generals during the Civil War. This gallery provides an overview of several of the key Confederate generals who contributed to the Southern cause and helped guide its armies throughout the war.
The Confederate Army employed hundreds of generals during the Civil War. This gallery provides an overview of several of the key Confederate generals who contributed to the Southern cause and helped guide its armies throughout the war.
World War I: General John J. Pershing
A pivotal leader of the US Army in the early 20th century, General John J. Pershing was the leader of US forces in Europe during World War I and was a mentor for many of the generals of World War II. In addition, John J. Pershing was the only leader to achieve the rank of General of the Armies.
A pivotal leader of the US Army in the early 20th century, General John J. Pershing was the leader of US forces in Europe during World War I and was a mentor for many of the generals of World War II. In addition, John J. Pershing was the only leader to achieve the rank of General of the Armies.
Vietnam War: Vo Nguyen Giap
A prominent Vietnamese general and statesman, Vo Nguyen Giap led the Viet Minh during the First Indochina War against France and masterminded the capture of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. During the Vietnam War, Vo Nguyen Giap served as commander-in-chief of the People's Army of Vietnam and planned the Tet Offensive.
A prominent Vietnamese general and statesman, Vo Nguyen Giap led the Viet Minh during the First Indochina War against France and masterminded the capture of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. During the Vietnam War, Vo Nguyen Giap served as commander-in-chief of the People's Army of Vietnam and planned the Tet Offensive.
Leonidas of Sparta
Our Guide to Ancient/Classical History provides a detailed biography of the famed Spartan king and chronicles his defense of Thermopylae.
Our Guide to Ancient/Classical History provides a detailed biography of the famed Spartan king and chronicles his defense of Thermopylae.
Tuthmosis III
Frequently referred to as the "Napoleon of Ancient Egypt," Tuthmosis III led his armies on at least seventeen successful campaigns.
Frequently referred to as the "Napoleon of Ancient Egypt," Tuthmosis III led his armies on at least seventeen successful campaigns.
Plutarch's Life of Antony
An English translation of Plutarch's "Life of Antony," which recounts the exploits of the famed Roman general Mark Antony.
An English translation of Plutarch's "Life of Antony," which recounts the exploits of the famed Roman general Mark Antony.
Carlyle's "History of Friedrich II of Prussia"
An online version of Thomas Carlyle's epic 21-book account of the life of King Frederick the Great of Prussia. Completed in 1865, it is best known for its vivid portraits of the king's battles.
An online version of Thomas Carlyle's epic 21-book account of the life of King Frederick the Great of Prussia. Completed in 1865, it is best known for its vivid portraits of the king's battles.