The Gay Agenda

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Baron Von Steuben

By: Rose Judge

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, by Charles Wilson Peale
Baron Von Steuben, full name Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben, was a Prussian general who played a pivotal role in the American victory in the American Revolutionary War. Born on September 17, 1730, he was raised in Russia and Germany by his lieutenant father, and showed prowess very early on, earning him a position as an officer in the Prussian army at only 17. He served as a staff officer in the Seven Years War, known as the French and Indian War in the United States, and made a name for himself across the battlefields of Europe, earning him a place in Frederick the Great’s private headquarters. Not much later, he was discharged from the Prussian Army for reasons that are still unclear. He rarely spoke on the subject, only mentioning that a scheming rival pushed him out, though there were rumors that it was because of his homosexuality. 
From the very dawn of the American Revolution, Baron Von Steuben expressed his support for their cause. As the war went on, the American army dwindled in size and strength. After three years they were whittled down almost to nothing, having no discipline, training, or morale. It was Benjamin Franklin’s idea to hire Von Steuben, wanting to take advantage of his unemployed status. Von Steuben was hesitant at first and declined, but soon after, an unfounded rumor began to spread, accusing Von Steuben of being a pedophile. This was quite common for homosexuals, who were often accused of pedophilia, rape, or other crimes as a way of removing them from society. Von Steuben saw the Revolution as a way to not only get away from these accusations, but to prove himself and support a cause he believed in. He accepted Franklin’s offer and went to America. 
General Washington and Franklin were both aware of the rumors surrounding Von Steuben but knew them to be false, not caring that he was a homosexual. They brought him in and he began his work, whipping the American Army into shape. The army was stationed at Valley Forge for the winter, and Von Steuben was absolutely appalled at the conditions the army was living and fighting in. He immediately began drilling them in strict Prussian techniques. At the time, the Prussians were one of the most advanced militaries in the world, and Von Steuben was one of the few generals in the world who was an expert not only in the classic Prussian military traditions, but also with the rapidly changing tactics of war present at the time. He spent the whole winter drilling the army, turning a group of ragtag poorly trained militiamen into a true professional fighting army. 
The entire army knew of his homosexuality, he even had a visible relationship with an aid, William North, but they still served him and respected him. By the end of the winter they came to really admire Von Steuben and were proud to have been trained by him. After the winter ended, they met the English in open battle 9 days later at Monmouth, New Jersey. The battle ended in a draw, with neither the British or the Americans being able to inflict substantial damage on the opposing army. This was monumental for the Americans, as they met the full force of the English Army in open battle and held their own. The Americans had won victories in battle before, but they were matters of sneak attacks or clever maneuvering, never “true” open battle. Von Steuben brought the Americans up to such a degree that they were able to not just survive, but stand defiantly. His writings on training techniques and tactics are still used today by the US Armed Forces, and he is often considered to be the Founding Father of the American military. 

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