Colonial America - E03: Samuel Nicholas, First Marine Commandant

Samuel Nicholas was born in February 1744 into a prominent Philadelphia family deeply engaged in the city's social and commercial life. Growing up among merchants, sailors, and influential thinkers, he studied at the Academy of Philadelphia, an institution guided by Benjamin Franklin's progressive educational ideals that would eventually become the University of Pennsylvania. This episode will take a look at some of his accomplishments, such as introducing the "leatherneck" uniform, leading the Marines' first amphibious assault in the Bahamas, and supporting General Washington in key campaigns.