“Germans in the Military from von Steuben to WWII" at the German American Heritage Center -- June 14.
Sunday, June 14, 1:30 p.m.
German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street, Davenport IA
Germans have been a part of the American story since its beginnings as a country, and on June 14, visitors at the German American Heritage Center are invited to a discussion on notable citizens who were active in U.S. military affairs in Germans in the Military from von Steuben to WWII, the latest presentation in the Davenport venue's popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series.
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand Freiherr von Steuben was a Prussian-born army officer who played a leading role in the American Revolutionary War by reforming the Continental Army into a disciplined and professional fighting force. His contributions marked a significant improvement in the performance of U.S. troops, and he is consequently regarded as one of the fathers of the United States Army.
Steuben spent 11 years as court chamberlain to the prince of Hohenzollern-Hechingen, a small German principality. In 1769, the Duchess of Wurttemberg, a niece of Frederick, named him to the chivalric Order of Fidelity, a meritorious award that conferred the title Freiherr, or 'free lord'; in 1771, his service to Hohenzollern-Hechingen earned him the title baron. In 1775, as the American Revolution had begun, Steuben saw a reduction in his salary and sought some form of military work; unable to find employment in peacetime Europe, he joined the U.S. war effort through mutual French contacts with U.S. diplomats, most notably ambassadors to France Silas Deane and Benjamin Franklin. Due to his military exploits, and his willingness to serve the Americans without compensation, Steuben made a positive impression on both Congress and General George Washington, who appointed him as temporary Inspector General of the Continental Army.
Appalled by the state of U.S. forces, Steuben took the lead in teaching soldiers the essentials of military drills, tactics, and discipline based on Prussian techniques. He wrote Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States, which remained the army's drill manual for decades, and continues to influence modern U.S. army manuals. Steuben also addressed widespread administrative waste and graft, helping save desperately needed supplies and funds. As these reforms began bearing fruit on the battlefield, in 1778, Congress, on Washington's recommendation, commissioned Steuben to the position of Inspector General with the rank of major general. He served the remainder of the war as Washington's chief of staff and one of his most trusted advisors.
Serving as program presenter for Germans in the Military from von Steuben to WWII, George Eaton is a Quad Cities area military historian who has developed a deep interest, appreciation, and understanding of the role of Rock Island Arsenal in supporting the Army for more than 150 years. In his dozen years in the community, Eaton has worked tirelessly to tell the story of the arsenal and encourage tourism at Arsenal Island.
Germans in the Military from von Steuben to WWII will be presented at Davenport's German American Heritage Center on June 14, with refreshments for this “Kaffee und Kuchen” event served at 1:30 p.m. and the program beginning at 2 p.m. Guests are welcome to bring their own mugs if they wish; disposable cups are provided, but mugs from home will help the venue reduce waste. Participation is free for Heritage Center members and $8 for non-members, and more information is available by calling (563)322-8844 and visiting GAHC.org.
