The Revolution’s Bravest General
As a Brigadier General in the French Army, Major General in the American Revolutionary Army and a French-American liaison during a time of incredible upheaval, German-native Johann de Kalb led an amazing life, but his legacy is lesser known than Revolutionary counterparts such as the Marquis de Lafayette, to whom he may have been a mentor. With a focus on these less publicized leaders in the fight for independence, and thanks to our ongoing partnership with the N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation, author and historian John Beakes will enlighten us on the lasting impact of General de Kalb during the American Revolution.
About John Beakes
John Beakes graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1966 and served in nuclear submarines until 1974. He then began a career of executive leadership in technology service companies, from which he retired in 2021. His five books on the Revolutionary War have focused on little-known combat leaders in America’s fight for independence. He co-authored “Cool, Deliberate Courage: John Eager Howard in the American Revolution” and “‘Light Horse Harry Lee’ in the War for Independence” with Dr. Jim Piecuch. He then completed “Otho Holland Williams in the American Revolution” in 2015 and “De Kalb: One of the Revolutionary War’s Bravest Generals” in 2019. In 2022, he completed “William Campbell in the American Revolution: Commander of Riflemen at Kings Mountain and Guilford Courthouse.” These books have brought forth the stories of how these largely unknown military leaders made important contributions to the American victory in the Revolutionary War.
About The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation:
The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation was founded by Klaus Becker, then Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany to North Carolina. The mission of the Foundation is reflected in its name, Zeitgeist, which means the “Spirit of the Time,” is to inform, educate, and foster dialogue about the influence in the Carolinas of the current and historic culture, arts, society, and spirit of Germany and Europe in celebrating their deep-rooted ties to the United States. Its mission is to strengthen transatlantic partnerships through cultural exchange, business collaboration, and shared innovation. By connecting communities across North Carolina and Germany, we foster understanding, economic opportunity, and artistic inspiration on both sides of the Atlantic. In recognition of the long-standing German/European-American transatlantic relationship, the program of the Foundation focuses on the exchange of societal and governmental thought and theory, art exhibitions, and cultural and social events. Since its inception in 2014, The N.C. Zeitgeist Foundation has strongly supported economic development and growth in the Greater Charlotte Region, including initiatives to brand and promote the Carolinas as a premier US location for international business, trade, and investment.