Generals are the best considered several factors to compile this list. First and foremost were their battlefield successes, which revealed their success in leading their troops to victory. We also looked at their ability to manage armies and keep them in line and the strategies and tactics they employed on the battlefield. And finally, we considered how influential these generals were in shaping the course of history.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon was a French military general who rose to power in 1799 as First Consul of the Republic. He became Emperor of the French in 1804 and ruled until his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Napoleon’s continental campaigns were some of the most successful in history.
The French Empire to more than 2 million square kilometers. During his reign, Napoleon brought about sweeping social and political changes in France, including the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of all enslaved people in France. Napoleon is also credited with creating modern France, with institutions such as a central bank and a multi-party system.
Napoleon was a brilliant military strategist who employed innovative methods such as mass conscription and artillery bombardment to achieve victory. He was also known for his domineering personality and ruthless tactics, leading to widespread human rights abuses during his rule.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar is considered one of the best generals of all time. He led his armies to victory in many battles, including the Battle of Zama and Pharsalus. He also made significant political changes during his reign, including legalizing Roman citizenship for all citizens.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
- Arthur Wellesley was one of the best generals of all time. He was known for his strategic planning and his leadership skills.
- Arthur Wellesley was born in 1769 in Ireland. He later became the Duke of Wellington, a title he held from 1814 until he died in 1852.
- Wellesley first tasted military glory as a lieutenant in the Irish army. In 1798, he joined the British military and soon rose to prominence. He played a significant role in the Battle of Trafalgar, which saw the British victory over the French navy.
- In 1809, Wellesley was appointed commander of British forces in Spain. Here, he successfully fought against Napoleon’s troops. This earned him worldwide recognition and made him one of Britain’s most respected generals.
- Wellesley’s last battle was the Battle of Waterloo, which saw him defeat Napoleon. He is now widely considered to be one of the best generals of all time.
Takeda Shingen
Takeda Shingen was a brilliant general and strategist considered one of the best generals in history. He defeated many powerful enemies and achieved great success during his military campaigns. Shingen was born in 1573 in what is now Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
At a young age, he demonstrated great talent for warfare and began training as a samurai. In 1600, he joined the army of Tokugawa Ieyasu and quickly became one of his most trusted advisors. Shingen served in various positions throughout Ieyasu’s reign, including the eastern army commander.
Nagoya Castle governor. In 1614, Ieyasu appointed him the new governor of Kyushu, where he quickly gained national recognition for his strategic skills. In 1615, Shingen led an invasion of Taiwan against the Ming dynasty and rapidly conquered most of the island. This victory helped cement Ieyasu’s power and marked the beginning of Shingen’s legendary military career.
Khalid Ibn al-Walid
Khalid ibn al-Walid (c. 709 – June 7, 744) was a Sahabi (companion) and general of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He was one of the most successful military commanders in early Islamic history, leading Muslim armies to numerous victories against rival Arab tribes and larger imperial forces.
Khalid is considered one of the greatest military strategists in history, and his campaigns are studied at military academies worldwide. He is also regarded as a pious and just leader and was greatly loved by his troops. Khalid ibn al-Walid died in battle at 63 after leading an army to victory against a Frankish army led by Charles Martel.
Hannibal Barca
Hannibal Barca was a general in the Punic Wars who led the Carthaginian army to victory over the Roman Republic. He is best known for crossing the Alps with his army, an event that helped to secure Hannibal’s victory.
Hannibal was born in 247 BC in what is now Tunisia. He fought in the First Punic War on the Roman side and later served as a military advisor to Hamilcar Barca, Hannibal’s brother and one of Carthage’s most successful commanders. In 218 BC, when Rome was at its weakest after being defeated by Pyrrhus and Antiochus III, Hamilcar hired Hannibal to lead an army into Italy.
Hannibal is Considered One of The History Generals
Hannibal’s first attempt to cross the Alps was unsuccessful, but he returned with more troops and an improved plan. In 217 BC, he led his army over the mountains and into Italy, where he successfully invaded Rome and captured it in 212 BC.
He eventually marched on Rome again and besieged it for two years before finally defeating the Roman army in 201 BC. After this victory, Hannibal negotiated peace terms with Rome, which allowed him to keep most of Italy.
Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant was one of the greatest generals in American history. He served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877 and is considered one of the Founding Fathers. Grant led Union forces during the American Civil War, which resulted in the abolition of slavery and the formation of the United States of America. At age 43, he became the youngest U.S. president ever elected.
During his presidency, Grant organized and led military campaigns in Texas, Montana, and the Western United States. He also enacted many essential reforms, including granting civil rights to African Americans and establishing the Department of Justice. Grant has been called the best general in American history and the architect of victory.
Frederick the Great Generals
Frederick the Great was a brilliant military leader who helped Prussia become one of the most powerful nations in Europe. He led Prussia to victory in many wars, and modern armies still use his tactics and strategies. Frederick was also a great diplomat, and he kept Prussia friendly with other European countries even while it was growing into one of the world’s leading powers.
Georgy Zhukov Generals
Georgi Zhukov was a Soviet general considered one of the best generals in history. He led his troops during some of World War II’s most bitter and devastating battles, including the Battle of Moscow, Operation Bagration, and the Battle of Berlin.
He is also credited with leading the Soviet Union to victory over Nazi Germany. Zhukov was a highly decorated officer, receiving both the Order of Lenin and the Order of Suvorov. He later served as deputy defense minister and deputy chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers.
Generals Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great is, without a doubt, one of the greatest generals of all time. He was born in 356 BC in Macedonia and rose to power early. In 333 BC, he led an army against the Ptolemaic Kingdom and defeated them. He conquered much of Greece and Persia before his death in 323 BC. His conquests allowed for the development of Hellenistic culture and ushered in the Age of Alexander the Great.
