Which civil war battle was the most significant

Hosted by history professors James Early and Scott Rank, this podcast explores the ten most important battles in the Civil War. It features every major conflict, from the initial shots fired at the Battle of First Bull Run to the end of the war at Appomattox Court House. James and Scott explore additional topics such as emancipation, the naval wars of the Civil War, and weapons technology.

Scroll down to listen to the episodes in this podcast series. The Civil War pitted brother against brother and divided a nation. It also featured the most epic—and deadliest—battles in American history. From Shiloh to Vicksburg to Gettsburg, these battles resulted in higher casualty rates than any other armed conflict the United States has ever faced.

But beyond that the Civil War did more to define and change the United States than any other event. It determine what kind of nation the United State would be. This is the first episode in a multi-part series on the ten most important battles of the Civil War. Scott Rank is joined by history professor James Early to get into the military history of the Civil War, whose effects are still being felt in the United States and the rest of the world today.

Click here for detailed notes. The origins of the Civil War go back decades, even before the United States became an independent nation The federal union had always been precarious, ever since the framing of the Constitution, with the institution of slavery led to two distinct cultures and societies.

In this episode, Scott and James discuss the main social and political issues that sparked the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln believed that the Civil War would be over in a few months, with the Union Army marching on Richmond by late The Union and the Confederate armies hastily assembled armies and Brig. The capture of Atlanta gave Lincoln enough of a boost in the polls that he was able to be reelected, something that was in doubt before the fall of the city.

Destruction of Charleston From November 15 to December 21st Sherman and his forces marched through Georgia, destroying everything in their path to disrupt the southern economy and transportation networks. After the capture of Savannah, Sherman and his forces rested and then continued their march up the coast through the Carolina's. Lee had spent the previous year defending Richmond but decided at this point to try and move south to link up with other Confederate forces.

He was forced to retreat to Appomattox Court House by Union forces and in the end had no choice but to surrender. The documents signalling surrender were signed on April 9 and an official ceremony was held on April 12th disbanding the Army of Nothern Virginia that Lee had commanded. The effect of this was to end the war in Virginia and to trigger a wave of surrenders across remaining Confederate territory.

Grant was generous in his terms; he allowed for the surrendering Confederates to keep their sidearms and horses, imprisioned no one, and supplied Lee's army with food rations.

Furthermore Grant forbade his own forces from celebrating their victory over the Confederates. It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results. On November 19, , President Abraham Lincoln delivered remarks, which later became known as the Gettysburg Address, at the official dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, on the site of one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of Fought in It pitted Confederate General Robert E.

The battles of Cold Harbor were two American Civil War engagements that took place about 10 miles northeast of Richmond, Virginia, the Confederate capital.

At the Battle of Nashville, which took place from December 15 to December 16, , during the American Civil War , the once powerful Confederate Army of Tennessee was nearly destroyed when a Union army commanded by General George Thomas swarmed over the Rebel In May , Confederate forces clashed with the advancing Union Army in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, which lasted for the better part of two weeks and included some of the bloodiest fighting of the Civil War.

After an indecisive battle in the dense Virginia woods Live TV. This Day In History. History Vault. Battle of Gettysburg Begins: July 1 Upon learning that the Army of the Potomac was on its way, Lee planned to assemble his army in the prosperous crossroads town of Gettysburg, 35 miles southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Recommended for you. Initially, the Confederates drove Union troops from fields west and north of the town, but they failed on the second day to break the Union line. After two hours of shelling, Confederate Gen.

George Pickett led two brigades in an assault on the Union position. Lee was forced to retreat and abandon his invasion. The battle was a crushing defeat for the Confederacy, and losses were devastating on both sides. Union casualties numbered 23,, while the Confederates lost some 28, men. Demoralized, Lee offered his resignation to President Jefferson Davis , but was refused.

The Battle of Gettysburg took on even more significance in November , when President Lincoln traveled to the site and delivered the Gettysburg Address. In the famously short but powerful speech, Lincoln honored the sacrifice of the soldiers who died there and redefined the war as a struggle for the nation. July 22, : Near the end of the war, a trio of Union armies, led by Gen. William T. Sherman converged upon Atlanta , where they were met outside the city by a desperate Confederate counterattack that failed.

Finally, on September 1, Confederate Lt. The capture of Atlanta crippled the Confederate war effort. For Lincoln, who faced a difficult election in against one of his former generals, George B. McClellan , the victory provided a lift at the polls, helping him win and pursue the war to its conclusion.

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