[VIDEO] Top 3 Military Generals by Century – 20th to 16th Centuries

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Epic Quotes From Historical Figures Playlist

Top 3 Military Generals by Century – 20th to 16th Centuries

Across five centuries of warfare, a select group of generals helped shape the course of history. From battlefield brilliance to strategic reforms, each left a lasting mark on their century and the world.

20th Century
The 20th century was defined by global conflict and technological warfare. 
Georgy Zhukov of the Soviet Union was pivotal in defeating Nazi Germany. His leadership at Stalingrad and the capture of Berlin showcased his strategic toughness and organizational power, securing Soviet victory on the Eastern Front.
Erwin Rommel, the German “Desert Fox,” earned global respect for his tactical brilliance in North Africa. Even among his enemies, Rommel was admired for leading with honor and skill in mobile warfare.
Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander in the Pacific, was central to Allied success against Japan. After the war, he oversaw Japan’s peaceful reconstruction and later led U.N. forces in Korea, further cementing his legacy.

19th Century
No general shaped modern Europe more than Napoleon Bonaparte. A master of speed and surprise, his campaigns redefined warfare and politics, spreading revolutionary ideals and military innovation across the continent.
His British adversary, Duke of Wellington, was equally skilled—particularly in defense. Wellington’s steady command at Waterloo brought Napoleon’s reign to a decisive end.
In America, Ulysses S. Grant led Union forces to victory in the Civil War. Known for his relentless pressure and clear-eyed leadership, Grant later became president and helped stabilize the postwar nation.

18th Century
Frederick the Great of Prussia revolutionized warfare with disciplined infantry, oblique tactics, and aggressive flanking. His leadership in the Seven Years’ War secured Prussia’s place as a European power.
George Washington, though often outmatched, held the Continental Army together and won independence for the American colonies. His leadership and restraint made him a symbol of the Republic.
Maurice de Saxe, a French marshal, emphasized speed, morale, and mobile tactics—helping to modernize European warfare during the War of the Austrian Succession.

17th Century
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden is often called the “father of modern warfare.” He integrated mobile artillery and flexible formations, influencing European armies for generations.
Turenne, serving France under Louis XIV, was a master of surprise attacks and careful strategy. Napoleon ranked him among history’s greatest generals.
Wallenstein, general of the Holy Roman Empire, was a complex figure—both feared and respected. His influence during the Thirty Years’ War shaped Central European conflict.

16th Century
Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan through a mix of conquest and diplomacy. Rising from humble origins, he became a symbol of ambition and national consolidation.
Francisco Pizarro, with a small force, conquered the Inca Empire, expanding Spain’s empire in the New World through ruthless tactics.
Maurice of Nassau laid the foundation for modern drill and discipline in European armies, making the Dutch Republic a military power.