Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes the small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak and esteem to all. — George Washington

During the Revolutionary War, the American effort for Independence from Great Britain hung on 2 factors.  The first was the Continental Congress which worked to create a government and raise money for the new Republic and the second was the Continental Army, commanded by George Washington.  Washington faced a daunting task.  He was pitted against the greatest military power the world had even known, the British Empire with a seemingly unlimited amount of ships, troops, weapons, commanders, and money.  Yes, Washington was a good general, but there was 1 of him and about 50 British Generals who had gained experience fighting Spain, France, and the Native Americans.

To win the war, Washington understood that it was crucially important to win the public relations battle in the colonies.  Namely, he had to make sure his army was never totally defeated.  If his army was totally defeated and he was forced to surrender, there would be no army to replace him and the the colonists would lose heart.  So even though he was willing to lose battles, he always made sure he avoided fights that would lead him to total disaster.  He figured if he kept the army in the field, in the fight, then the colonists would stay hopeful, and the Continental Congress would have an easier time raising money.

History proved Washington right.  France intervened and matched Britain’s resources and helped win the war.  Even in an extremely difficult situation, and even when you’re losing – there is something important about keeping an army in the field.  Leaders with more brains and less power can outlast opponents/situations with more power