Discuss Nathanael Greene's Southern campaign. Why do some historians Essay

Discuss Nathanael Greene's Southern campaign. Why do some historians view Greene as being second only to Washington in importance in winning the war - Essay Example Greene was handed the responsibility of leading the then weak Revolutionary southern army that had already been led by three commanders who failed in their duties (Golway, 2005). He was given the duty of commanding the war against the British occupation of the south. With a small and poorly trained army, he was up against a more established and experienced British army. With the awareness that his troops were not able to win large and decisive wars, he planned brief and sudden attacks against the prominent British army. He took a bold step to divide his army into smaller groups, forcing the British troops to do the same (Tucker, 2009). He then ordered the Continental army to retreat, and the British, without realizing the tactic used against them, followed the Continental army. This drove the British army further away from their supply base, making them weaker and eventually losing the battle (Tucker, 2009). Some historians view Greene as second to Washington in the importance of winning the war because he was appointed by Washington and took orders from him (Carbone, 2008). He also succeeded where three other commanders had failed. In the same way like Washington, he was gifted with the ability to use small means to a significant advantage (Carbone,