My pick would be Napoleon. Brilliant tactician, recongized the rise of nation states and changed the way wars were fought, and was a great leader as evidenced by the fact that even in defeat his men would rise from their death beds to cheer as he went by.
Brilliant tactician, recongized the rise of nation states and changed the way wars were fought, and was a great leader
Napolean is certainly up there. There are talents and vision beyond field tactics which may or may not be thrown into the "General" argument, but three who come to my mind with a deep understanding of comprehensive conflict are Napolean, Eisenhower, and Julius Caesar.
Immense consciousness required to be a great General. I think it was Ruskin who maintained great military leadership is evidence equal to great art of a profound civilization.