Cheers,

Antonio

The question of Marlborough’s reputation is an interesting one. He had military genius and acquired political supremecy (thanks to his clever wife). Alexander, Caesar, Frederick II, Napoleon et cetera, have always had contested reputations. But perhaps the recent memory of Cromwell shaped how the English saw him. Especially after his later request to Anne to be captain general for life. Also modern “journalism” was created at the start of the 18th century in London, and created by politicians (e.g. Harley getting Addison to write the “Campaign” to celebrate Blemheim. Maybe Swift’s polemics for the Tory interest have influenced historians. And as W. Churchill argues, Macauley unjustly recycled the most scurrilous contemporary accusations against Marlborough. Perhaps he is not considered in the first rank because of the shadow of Napoleon, who is the greater and more personally engaging figure by far.

Anyway, I look forward to your next instalment.

Marlborough’s record is astounding isn’t it.
‘never fought a battle he didn’t win. Never besieged a town he did not take.’

There are very few generals who can claim as much.
As for why he isn’t rated so highly – hmmm, several reasons not least of which is the Whig party who so hated him. He was hated partly because he was a Tory, partly because he was seen as in league with Queen Anne who was keeping the Whigs out of power. The Whigs were in power for many years after Marlborough and there were many histories written during that time all of which were quite convinced that the Whig way was the true way and anything which had seemingly obstructed the Whigs was to be condemned.
Our man Marlborough was also held in low regard by many (even the supporters of William of Orange) for betraying his master, James II and switching sides at the crucial moment during the Glorious revolution. It’s all too easy to write him off as an opportunist.
I think he ranks as a more significant general than Wellington and he certainly had more to deal with than Wellington. I’ll be going into some detail in the next episode concerning his round of winter diplomacy (1705/1706) to show just how much work he needed to put in to hold the alliance together. He needed to be ambassador and courtier as well as warrior.

Seriously though, I’ve often wondered why Marlborough isn’t rated higher by historians (other than Winston Churchill…lol) amongst the great Captains. IMO, he ranks along with Alexander, Napoleon and Caesar.

Great episode…looking forward to the next.

P.S. I really like this podcast. I wrote a 5 star review and posted it on iTunes.