Marlborough's greatest battles were not fought with muskets, but with words. His ability to keep the Grand Alliance together for a decade was a miracle of diplomacy.
He commanded Dutch deputies who feared risk, an Austrian prince (Eugene) who demanded glory, and German princes who wanted gold. He satisfied them all while pursuing his own strategic vision.
He would often ride 50 miles in a day to visit a hesitant ally, soothing their fears and ensuring their troops would be ready for the next campaign. He understood that unity was the only way to defeat France.