You'd think after all these years that the animosity would have worn off, but apparently, the sting is still fresh and George Washington is still unforgiven.
British historians took a poll and George Washington won. He is now considered to be the greatest enemy commander that England ever faced.
Yes, bigger than Erwin Rommel.
Bigger than Napoleon Bonaparte.
The first President of the United States just barely edged out Michael Collins, which makes me think that the British historians who voted in the poll are smarting over losses of land that reduced the size of the British Empire.
After all, neither Rommel or Bonaparte were residents of British colonies that rose up against the Crown and took their leave from London's control.
Looking at both military leaders, you could say that they battled against tough odds but came out on top, with the end result that English military might was made to look feeble. With little to work with, both Washington and Collins ran rings around a force that was supposed to be far superior.
The poll was conducted to coincide with the opening of the National Army Museum in London, a repository of the army's history and the role it has played in shaping the nation. Admission is free, which should make it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Certainly, any country would be a different place if not for its armed forces either conquering or protecting, and the museum aims to present that aspect of an army's purpose.
However, with the results of the poll to consider, it might be said that the museum is also fostering awareness of the dangers of hubris and a reliance on superior numbers when superior tactics can upend the most well-crafted battle plan.
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