In 1804, after protests from Napoleon Bonaparte over leadership over a suspected conspiratorial group, Jean Moreau, a notable french republican army commander sometimes held in equal regard to Napoleon, exiled himself to the United States. The US army was initially interested in employing him, but Moreau declined and went on to live in a farm.
It is reported that, in 1812, the US government approached him with an invitation to serve in the army in the concurrent war against Britain. Moreau considered accepting it, but news of Napoleon's disastrous defeat at Russia persuaded him to return to France just to put pressure on l'empereur.
But what if Moreau had decided to stay in North America and fight for the US?
Could his presence and commanding skill be of any good use for the US army?
 
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Doubtful. By the it would have taken him to institute the reforms needed, America was already doing that itself. He'd have to get to America in 1808-10 to have a significant effect on the opening stages of the conflict.
 
Doubtful. By the it would have taken him to institute the reforms needed, America was already doing that itself. He'd have to get to America in 1808-10 to have a significant effect on the opening stages of the conflict.

He was physically there since 1805. The change you need would be for him to take up an offer of service to get into a position to make reforms.
 
He was physically there since 1805. The change you need would be for him to take up an offer of service to get into a position to make reforms.

My personal suspicion is that American military woes were beyond any one man, and if America makes any big changes Britain will react accordingly.

However, it wouldn't take much of POD to prevent the fall of Detroit, and that turns the whole 1813 campaign on its head.
 
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