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I dont think any Confederate leader could qualify as greatest of all time, they lost. Wouldn't being a winner be one of the qualifications for considering a military leader great. I suppose you could consider their campaigns in isolation, but on the other hand, you can also make up all kinds of excuses for why leaders on the losing side were great. Part of the definition of greatness is results. No matter how elegant strategy and tactics are, if they don't lead to victory, they are not great. Lee's invasion of the North leading to Gettysburg is a perfect example of a good idea imperfectly executed, thus eliminating his claim to greatness. Lee was good but not great.The debate continues.
I dont think any Confederate leader could qualify as greatest of all time, they lost. Wouldn't being a winner be one of the qualifications for considering a military leader great. I suppose you could consider their campaigns in isolation, but on the other hand, you can also make up all kinds of excuses for why leaders on the losing side were great. Part of the definition of greatness is results. No matter how elegant strategy and tactics are, if they don't lead to victory, they are not great. Lee's invasion of the North leading to Gettysburg is a perfect example of a good idea imperfectly executed, thus eliminating his claim to greatness. Lee was good but not great.The debate continues.
Then you would have to remove Rommel, Hannibal, Jugurtha, and Napoleon too.
I dont think any Confederate leader could qualify as greatest of all time, they lost. Wouldn't being a winner be one of the qualifications for considering a military leader great. I suppose you could consider their campaigns in isolation, but on the other hand, you can also make up all kinds of excuses for why leaders on the losing side were great. Part of the definition of greatness is results. No matter how elegant strategy and tactics are, if they don't lead to victory, they are not great. Lee's invasion of the North leading to Gettysburg is a perfect example of a good idea imperfectly executed, thus eliminating his claim to greatness. Lee was good but not great.The debate continues.
Then you would have to remove Rommel, Hannibal, Jugurtha, and Napoleon too.
OK I am fine with that.I will have to change my answer then from here Napoleon and go with a toss-up between Julius Caesar and Frederick the Great, leaning towards Frederick.
Napoleon without a doubt.
Wellington, when asked who was the greatest general of the day, answered: In this age, in past ages, in any age, Napoleon.
Napoleon without a doubt.
Wellington, when asked who was the greatest general of the day, answered: In this age, in past ages, in any age, Napoleon.
Of course he would say that. If Napoleon wasn't that good, Wellington's defeat of him would not have been so impressive no? By saying that, Wellington implies he must be pretty great himself for defeating him.
