On 17 January 1781, Brigadier General (BG) Daniel Morgan showed the British and Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton what type of American military tactician he was at the Battle of Cowpens. BG Morgan proclaimed, "I have given him a Devil of a Whipping."1 This battle, lasting a little more than an hour and being small in comparison to the Revolutionary War, had an immense impact serving as a turning point in the Revolutionary War.2 Brigadier General (BG) Morgan was the commander of the American forces that met Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton at Cowpens. This small battle helped shape the remainder of the Revolutionary War by pushing the British farther north. Historians refer to BG Morgan's use of tactics as "the finest American tactical demonstration …show more content…
He assigned very clear and specific tasks through verbal orders to his officers and militiamen. Morgan was also able to allocate resources, specifically food and positions for horses through his understanding of what resources Cowpens offered. These very simple orders clearly stated Morgan's task and intent for all his men. Morgan also understood and accepted prudent risks. He intentionally left his flanks open to create an advantage for his militiamen when they were conducting their organized retreat. Morgan realized that the Broad River blocked any actual retreat if the British overran their position. He was able to create opportunities by emplacing three layers of reserves that exploited the British's tendency to charge when they see a retreat. Next, Morgan created cohesive teams through mutual trust. His men respected him because he was one of them and he had fought in the French and Indian wars. Morgan knew he had to go amongst the men and communicate with them, so he could be interpersonal relationships with them to increase their trust in one another. Morgan knew this trust was at an all-time high when the militia were so willing to fight not for him, but with him against the British. Lastly, BG Morgan exercised disciplined initiative, as well as allowing his men to practice the same principle. Morgan took what his commander said and created a near perfect fighting environment that led to victory. By creating this foundation, he allowed Howard to improvise when the situation deviated from the original battle plan. Morgan's plans are some of the finest exhibitions of military tactics in the Revolutionary War, providing a foundation for future American