At six feet, five inches, Winfield Scott was compared to a “God of War.” Young and ambitious, Scott emerged at a time when new military leadership was desperately needed. “Shall war come at last,” he wrote, “my enthusiasm will be rekindled; and then who knows but that I may yet write my history with my sword.”

Scott’s strict discipline with his soldiers created high standards, but his own willingness to throw himself into battle also gained their respect. Scott’s leadership, particularly at the Battle of Chippawa, quickly elevated him to hero status, and he ended the war second only to Andrew Jackson in prestige.