# Nathanael Greene

> American general in the American Revolutionary War (1742-1786)

**Wikidata**: [Q366113](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q366113)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathanael_Greene)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nathanael-greene

## Summary
Nathanael Greene was an American general who played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. He is best known for his strategic leadership in the Southern theater of the war, which significantly contributed to the eventual independence of the United States.

## Biography
- Born: August 7, 1742
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Self-educated; apprenticed as a smith and later worked in his family's forge
- Known for: Leadership in the American Revolutionary War, particularly in the Southern Campaign
- Employer(s): Continental Army (American Revolutionary War)
- Field(s): Military strategy, Revolutionary warfare

## Contributions
Nathanael Greene is most notably recognized for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War, particularly in the Southern theater. His strategic reorganization of the Continental Army's southern operations helped shift the war's momentum in favor of the American forces. He led critical campaigns that weakened British control in the South and enabled the eventual American victory. His tactical decisions and ability to manage resources under severe constraints were instrumental in securing independence.

## FAQs
**What role did Nathanael Greene play in the American Revolutionary War?**  
Greene served as a general in the Continental Army, where he was instrumental in leading the Southern Campaign. His leadership helped turn the tide in favor of the Americans by weakening British forces through strategic retreats and battles.

**Where is Nathanael Greene commemorated?**  
Several U.S. counties and locations are named after Nathanael Greene, including Greene County in multiple states like Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. The USS Nathanael Greene SSBN-636, a James Madison-class submarine, was also named in his honor.

**What awards did Nathanael Greene receive?**  
He was posthumously honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, recognizing his exceptional service during the Revolutionary War.

## Why They Matter
Nathanael Greene's military acumen and leadership in the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolutionary War were crucial to the eventual American victory. His strategies not only preserved the Continental Army in the South but also forced the British into a war of attrition they could not sustain. Without his contributions, the war might have ended differently, and his legacy continues to influence military strategy and American historical identity.

## Notable For
- Leadership in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolutionary War
- Strategic reorganization of military operations under resource constraints
- Posthumous award of the Congressional Gold Medal
- Influence on pivotal Revolutionary War battles, including the Battle of Guilford Courthouse
- Being the namesake of multiple U.S. counties and military assets like the USS Nathanael Greene SSBN-636

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Nathanael Greene was born on August 7, 1742. He was largely self-educated and initially worked in his family's forge, gaining practical experience in metallurgy and mechanical work. His early life was grounded in the industrial and agricultural society of colonial Rhode Island, which shaped his pragmatic approach to military logistics and leadership.

### Military Career
Greene's military career began in the Rhode Island militia before he was appointed as a general in the Continental Army in 1775. His rise through the ranks was rapid, and by 1776, he had become one of George Washington's most trusted subordinates. He was known for his strategic mind and ability to manage complex military logistics, which were essential during the Revolutionary War.

### Revolutionary War Contributions
During the American Revolutionary War, Greene was instrumental in the Southern Campaign. His leadership was critical in battles such as the Battle of Guilford Courthouse and in the Carolinas, where his strategies significantly weakened British forces. He employed a "strategic retreat" approach, drawing British forces deeper into hostile territory, stretching their supply lines and weakening their position.

### Awards and Recognition
Greene was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his exceptional service and leadership during the Revolutionary War. This award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the United States Congress.

### Legacy and Commemoration
Multiple locations in the United States commemorate Nathanael Greene. Greene County in various states, including Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, is named in his honor. The USS Nathanael Greene SSBN-636, a James Madison-class submarine, also bears his name, reflecting his lasting impact on American military history.

### Influence on Military Strategy
Greene's military strategies, particularly in the Southern Campaign, influenced future military leaders and strategists. His approach to warfare under resource constraints became a case study in military academies and historical analyses of the Revolutionary War. His legacy is evident in the continued recognition and celebration of his contributions to American independence.

## References

1. [Source](https://archive.org/details/biographicaldict04johnuoft/page/n422/mode/1up)
2. The Peerage
3. Geni.com
4. BnF authorities
5. Find a Grave
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/mssa.ms.0616)
10. [Source](https://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/00290/)
11. SNAC
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CERL Thesaurus