Leadership Analysis of Banastre Tarleton

Leadership Analysis of Banastre Tarleton

The Glorious Cause, written by Jeff Shaara, depicts the strategy of the English and American generals in the Revolutionary War. It reveals exactly what the people who were in charge at the time were thinking. The book illustrates the various battles and campaigns through out the eight-year war. Many notable characters are analyzed such as Nathaniel Greene, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Charles Cornwallis. Although all of these men were great leaders, I chose to analyze a lesser known, but no lesser great leader, Banastre Tarleton.

Banastre Tarleton was born in Liverpool, England on August 21, 1754.Tarleton studied law at Oxford but he was better known for his athletic abilities. He was small physically, but strong and active. After exhausting his finances, Tarleton soon used those athletic capabilities by purchasing a rank in the British military. His military career offered him adventure and many opportunities for advancement. It also led him to America where he made his footprint in history. He set a strong pace for his men to follow, and in effect led by example.

Character describes what a leader must be in order to be effective. Tarleton displayed character traits that allowed him to achieve an independent command by the age of twenty-four. His mental, physical, and emotional attributes attracted the attention of his superiors and subordinates alike.

A true leader must build competence in themselves and their subordinates. The best leaders constantly strive to improve their profession and improve the performance of the team. Tarleton possessed the skills of a capable cavalryman. He was selected to participate in the siege of Charleston by Gen Cornwallis. He took his responsibilities seriously and drilled his legion until it was one of the most effective mounted units in the army. He was tasked with sealing off the supply routes once the siege began. The Americans recognized his style of quick movement, relentless pacing, and head-on slashing attacks.

Leaders must work to influence people, operate to accomplish the mission, and act to improve their organization. Lord Cornwallis, the British commander, tasked Lieutenant Tarleton to catch a regiment of Virginia Continentals. Although they had a ten-day lead on the British Legion, Tarleton was relentless on the chase and quickly closed the gap. He was outnumbered and his men were exhausted from the demanding pace. The legion hit the regiment so hard that a surrender flag soon went up from the Americans. The young Colonel inspired his men to accomplish the mission. His use of light infantry in combination with his cavalry made a powerful combat team.

The Battle of Cowpens was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. Colonel Banastre Tarleton commanded the British Legion and General Daniel Morgan commanded the American troops. Morgan took into account Tarleton's tendency to rush the attack. The Americans pinned the British down and continued to crush them in a flank attack. The American cavalry flanked the British left which lead to double envelopment and victory. Tarleton and a few of his supporters fled to the British