What was the primary reason for the creation of The Blue Book within the army?

The primary reason for the creation of The Blue Book within the army relates to the need for standardized procedures and the establishment of order and discipline among troops. Written by Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben during the American Revolutionary War, The Blue Book served as a manual for training soldiers, focusing on military drills, maneuvers, and overall conduct. Its goal was to unify practices and instill a sense of discipline, which was crucial for building an effective fighting force.

The emphasis on order and discipline was essential at the time because, without it, the effectiveness of the army could severely diminish. Disorganized units may have struggled with coordination and could fail to execute strategies effectively, leading to potentially disastrous outcomes in battle. Thus, by addressing the issue of discipline, The Blue Book played a foundational role in establishing professional military standards that have persisted in varying forms throughout army history.