Major-General George Germain, 1st Viscount Sackville, PC (born George Sackville; 26 January 1716 – 26 August 1785) was a British Army officer and politician who served as Secretary of State for the Colonies from 1775 to 1782. Serving in the North ministry during the American War of Independence, he was a hardliner, "the chief architect of the American War in Britain," receiving significant blame for Britain's defeat.
Germain's war policy was based on his mistaken belief that loyalty to the crown was widespread and would prevail with military support. His issuance of confusing instructions to British commanders in North America, coupled with his failure to understand either the geography of Britain's American colonies or the determination of the rebels' resolve, have led many historians to support such arguments.
He served in the British army in the War of the Austrian Succession and in the European theater of Seven Years' War. In the decisive Battle of Minden, his lack of vigorous action was considered a disgrace. He called for a court-martial to clear his name, but the court decided against him. His military career ended, but after a period he was elected to Parliament and gained prominence politically in the ministry of Lord North. His career ended with the fall of the North ministry in March 1782, when Parliament no longer supported the American war.
He was born George Sackville, the third son of Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset, and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Lieutenant-General Walter Philip Colyear. His godfather George I attended his baptism.
As an adult, Sackville legally changed his name in 1770 to "George Germain" by which he is generally known in the historical literature.
He was educated at Westminster School in London and graduated from Trinity College in Dublin in 1737. Between 1730 and 1737 and again from 1750 to 1755, his father held the post of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. While in Dublin, Sackville befriended the celebrated writer Jonathan Swift. He also encountered Lord Ligonier, who would subsequently assist his career in the military.
He then entered the army, where he was elected Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1751 and served for two years.
Sackville married Diana Sambrooke, daughter of John Sambrooke and Elizabeth Forester, on 3 September 1754. They had two sons and two daughters, including:
Diana Sackville (8 July 1756 – 29 August 1814), married John Crosbie, 2nd Earl of Glandore
Charles Sackville (27 August 1767 – 29 July 1843), later changed his name to Charles Sackville-Germain.
George Sackville (7 December 1770 – 31 May 1836)
Elizabeth, married Henry Herbert, MP
Germain started as a captain in the 7th Horse (later the 6th Dragoon Guards). In 1740, he transferred to the Gloucestershire Regiment of Foot as a lieutenant colonel. The regiment was sent to Germany to participate in the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1743, he was promoted to brevet colonel.
He saw his first battle, leading the charge of the Duke of Cumberland's infantry in the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. He led his regiment so deep into the French lines that when he was wounded and captured he was taken to the tent of Louis XV. When he was released and returned home, it was to duty in Scotland as the Colonel of the 20th Foot Regiment. Sackville then saw service in the suppression of the Jacobite Highlanders
following the Battle of Culloden.
In 1747 and 1748, he again joined the Duke of Cumberland. He became colonel of the 7th Irish horse and served in Holland. There was a break in his military career between wars (1750–1755) when he served as first secretary to his father.
During the Seven Years' War, he returned to active military service. He had been considered for the post of Commander-in-Chief in North America, which eventually went to Edward Braddock, who led his force to disaster during the Braddock Campaign. In 1755, Sackville was promoted to major general and returned to active service to oversee ordnance. In 1758, he was given a fourth regiment and joined the Duke of Marlborough as a lieutenant general. The same year Sackville was wounded a second time fighting the French.
Sackville's combination of military achievement and social skills fueled the rise of his reputation at this point in his life. He was sworn of the Privy Council in January 1758.