Battles of the Civil War: Crash Course US History #19

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course US History, John Green humorously attempts to cover the major battles of the American Civil War, from the first shots at Fort Sumter to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. Despite the daunting task, Green highlights key engagements like Gettysburg and the Seven Days Battles, while noting the complexity and human cost of the war, ultimately questioning the value of focusing solely on military history.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Civil War had numerous battles, with 8,000 instances of violence between 1861 and 1865.
• ⚔️ Major battles included Fort Sumter, First Bull Run, and the Battle of Hampton Roads where the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia fought.
• 🔥 The Battle of Shiloh and the Siege of Corinth were significant Union victories, with Shiloh also involving accusations of incompetence against Lew Wallace.
• 🏰 The Union's control of New Orleans was secured through victories at Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
• 🌊 The Mississippi River became a strategic point, with Vicksburg and Port Hudson's fall ending Confederate control.
• 🏙️ The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal Union victory, marked by Pickett's Charge and high casualties.
• 🔥 The Battle of Chancellorsville resulted in a Confederate win but the tragic loss of Stonewall Jackson.
• 🏰 The Siege of Atlanta was a significant Union victory that helped solidify General Sherman's reputation.
• 🏹 The Seven Days Battles were a series of engagements ending with a Union win at Malvern Hill.
• 🏰 The war concluded with Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865, effectively ending the conflict.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Battle of Fort Sumter in the Civil War?

The Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War. It was the first military engagement between the Union and the Confederate forces and took place in April 1861 in South Carolina. The Confederate victory at Fort Sumter signaled the start of the armed conflict.

Why did General Jackson receive the nickname 'Stonewall' during the Civil War?

General Jackson earned the nickname 'Stonewall' during the First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Manassas. His troops stood their ground like a 'stone wall' against Union forces, leading to the Confederate victory and his famous moniker.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Shiloh for the Union forces?

The Battle of Shiloh resulted in a Union victory. Despite initial Confederate successes, the Union forces ultimately prevailed, marking a significant turning point in the Western Theater of the Civil War.

What did the Union's victory at the Battle of Fort Donelson signify?

The Union's victory at Fort Donelson was a strategic win that opened up the Confederate heartland to invasion and gave the Union control of the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, which were crucial for transportation and supply lines.

What was the Battle of Hampton Roads and why was it notable?

The Battle of Hampton Roads was a naval engagement featuring the first combat between two ironclad warships, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimac). It ended in a draw but was significant for its demonstration of the effectiveness of ironclad vessels in naval warfare.

What was the Seven Days Battles and what was its impact on the Civil War?

The Seven Days Battles were a series of six major battles fought over seven days in June 1862. They ended General McClellan's Peninsula Campaign and marked a strategic retreat of Union forces, allowing Robert E. Lee and the Confederate army to maintain control of Richmond, Virginia.

Who was Lew Wallace and what controversy was he involved in during the Battle of Shiloh?

Lew Wallace, who later became the author of 'Ben-Hur', was a Union general during the Civil War. He was accused of incompetence and cowardice during the Battle of Shiloh for allegedly not arriving in time to support the Union forces, which led to a temporary Confederate success.

What was the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal Union victory that halted General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North. It was also the war's deadliest battle in terms of casualties and is famous for the Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln.

What was the Battle of Stones River and what did it result in for the Union?

The Battle of Stones River, also known as the Battle of Murfreesboro, was a significant Union victory in Tennessee in 1863. It was a hard-fought battle that helped to stabilize the situation in the Western Theater and boosted Union morale.

What was the significance of the Union's victory at the Battle of Vicksburg?

The Union's victory at the Battle of Vicksburg was crucial as it gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two and further isolating its western territories.

What was the final major battle of the Civil War and what did it result in?

The final major battle of the Civil War was the Battle of Appomattox Court House, which resulted in General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. This marked the end of the Confederacy's ability to continue fighting and effectively concluded the Civil War.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Overview of the American Civil War Battles

This paragraph provides an introduction to the American Civil War, with a humorous twist on the exhaustive nature of military history. John Green, the host, initially promises to cover every battle, but quickly revises to focus on the major ones. The summary includes the first shots at Fort Sumter, significant early battles like First Bull Run, and the realization of the war's severity for the North. It also mentions various victories and defeats on both sides, leading into the theme music and a chronological recount of key battles, including the first use of ironclads and the Union's strategic gains.

05:01

🎖 Major Turning Points and Victories in the Civil War

The second paragraph delves into the pivotal battles and events of the Civil War, highlighting the Union's victories in 1862, such as Fort Donelson and the battles leading to the control of New Orleans. It also covers the Confederate wins and the indecisive nature of many of General McClellan's battles. The paragraph details Stonewall Jackson's successful campaign and the intense Seven Days Battles, culminating in the Union's significant, yet Pyrrhic, victory at Antietam. The summary also touches on the less consequential battles and the bloodiest day of the war, ending with the Union's efforts to solidify control in the South and the Western Theater.

Keywords

💡Civil War

The American Civil War, fought between 1861 and 1865, was a pivotal event in U.S. history that led to the abolition of slavery and the reestablishment of the Union. In the video, the Civil War is the central theme, with the host discussing various battles and their significance, such as the Battle of Fort Sumter, marking the war's beginning, and the Battle of Gettysburg, a major Union victory.

💡Union

The Union, also known as the North, refers to the states that remained loyal to the United States during the Civil War. The video discusses several Union victories, such as the Battle of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, which helped to establish the Union's military prowess and their strategic objectives.

💡Confederate States of America

The Confederate States of America, or the Confederacy, was an unrecognized country formed by 11 Southern states that had seceded from the United States. The video mentions Confederate victories, like the First Battle of Bull Run, which demonstrated their military capabilities and the challenges faced by the Union.

💡Battle of Fort Sumter

The Battle of Fort Sumter in South Carolina marked the beginning of the Civil War. The video uses this battle as a starting point to discuss the war's onset and the subsequent military engagements that unfolded over the next four years.

💡General Stonewall Jackson

General Stonewall Jackson was a Confederate commander known for his tactical prowess. The video mentions his nickname origin at the First Battle of Bull Run and his significant role in several victories, including the Battle of Chancellorsville, where he was mortally wounded.

💡Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant was a Union general who played a crucial role in the Civil War. The video culminates with his acceptance of General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, marking the end of the war and solidifying Grant's legacy as a key figure in Union victory.

💡Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, resulting in a major Union victory. The video discusses the battle's significance, including Pickett's Charge, and its impact on the war's outcome, as well as the historical Gettysburg Address that followed.

💡Siege of Vicksburg

The Siege of Vicksburg was a critical Union victory that gave them control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy. The video highlights this strategic victory as part of the Union's campaign in the Western Theater.

💡Robert E. Lee

General Robert E. Lee was a leading Confederate general and a key figure in the Civil War. The video discusses his military campaigns, including the Seven Days Battles and his invasion of the North, which ended at the Battle of Antietam.

💡Sherman's March to the Sea

General William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea was a Union military campaign that demonstrated the North's ability to penetrate deep into Confederate territory. The video mentions the capture of Atlanta as a significant event in this campaign, showcasing the Union's strategic advances.

💡Appomattox Courthouse

Appomattox Courthouse is the site of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War. The video concludes with this event, emphasizing its historical significance and the war's conclusion.

Highlights

Introduction to the Civil War and a shift in focus to major battles due to audience interest.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at the Battle of Fort Sumter, won by the South.

The North realized the war's seriousness after the South's victory at First Bull Run.

The Battle of Hampton Roads featured the first fight between ironclad warships, ending in a draw.

The Union's significant victories at Fort Henry, Roanoke Island, and Fort Donelson in 1862.

The Battle of Shiloh and the accusation of incompetence against Lew Wallace.

The Union's control of New Orleans following victories at Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

The Seven Days Battles, a series of six battles in seven days, ending with a Union win at Malvern Hill.

The least consequential battle at Newburgh, IN, involving 'Quaker guns' made of stovepipes.

The bloodiest single day of the war at Antietam, MD, with over 22,000 casualties.

The Battle of Stones River, a Union victory in Tennessee, and the simultaneous Confederate victory at Galveston, TX.

The Battle of Chancellorsville, a Confederate victory where Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded.

The Union's victories at the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, and Big Black River Ridge, leading to the Siege of Vicksburg.

The Battle of Gettysburg, a major Union victory and the end of Lee's second invasion of the North.

The Union's major victory at the Battle of Atlanta, solidifying control and leading to General Sherman's March to the Sea.

The Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse, significant engagements in Virginia.

The final battles of 1865, including the decisive battle at Appomattox Courthouse, where Lee surrendered to Grant.

Reflection on the exhaustive nature of military history and the conclusion of the Civil War.

Transcripts

Hi, I’m John Green and this is Crash Course US History. Starting next week, we’re going to be talking about the Civil War.

As you may have noticed, Crash Course doesn’t usually focus on military history, because we’re more interested in causes and effects and that kind of stuff,

but because some in our audience are likely to insist that a series on American History has to include the battles of the Civil War, I am now going to tell you about EVERY SINGLE fight of the war.

Oh. Stan, this says there were 8,000 instances of violence between the Union and the Confederate States of America between 1861 and 1865. Can that be right?

Slight change of plan. I’m going to tell you about the MAJOR battles of the Civil War.

[Theme Music]

The shooting started in 1861. In April the first shots of the war were fired at the Battle of Fort Sumter, South Carolina, which the South won.

Next the Battle of Rich Mountain went to the North. First Bull Run happened in Manassas, VA in July. The South won, General Jackson got the nickname Stonewall, and the North realized this war was going to be serious business.

The South had another victory at Wilson’s Creek in August, but lost to the Union at Carnifex Ferry in September.

The North got another win at the Battle of Cheat Mountain, but the South finished the year strong with wins at Ball’s Bluff and Chustenahlah.

The North came roaring back in 1862 with wins at the battles of Mill Springs, Fort Henry, Roanoke Island, and Fort Donelson, where the Confederate general was named Simon Bolivar Buckner. What!?

There was fighting in the west, with the South winning at Valverder, NM, and Pea Ridge, AR.

The Union won at New Madrid, MO. The Battle of Hampton Roads, VA in March was a draw, and featured the first fight between two ironclad warships, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia.

The Union won the Battle of Bern, and the first battle of Kernstown, and then draws at Glorieta Pass, NM, and Yorktown.

The Union won the Battle of Shiloh, where future Ben Hur author Lew Wallace was accused of incompetence and cowardice.

The Union also won at the Battle of Fort Pulaski and the Battles of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, which gave the North control of New Orleans.

The North then won the Siege of Corinth, and Union general McClellan fought one of the most indecisive battles he would be involved in at Williamsburg, Virginia,

which is really saying something, because he was pretty indecisive.

Then Stonewall Jackson had a great run, winning battles at McDowell, Front Royal, and Winchester. Union forces captured Memphis, TN in May, but then lost a couple more to Jackson at Cross Keys and Port Republic.

In Virginia that June, Robert E. Lee and George McClellan fought a series of six battles in seven days, which were called the seven days battles, because historians are so good at naming things.

There was a draw at Oak Grove, Union victory at Beaver Dam Creek, a win for Lee at Gaines' Mill, ties at Garnett's and Golding's Farms, The Battle of Savage's Stations, and the Battle for Glendale.

The Union finally won the Seven Days at Malvern Hill, but McClellan withdrew after the battle, allowing Lee and the remaining confederates to escape.

In July 1862, one of the least consequential battles of the war took place in Stan’s hometown, Newburgh, IN.

A force of 35 Confederate irregulars built some fake cannons out of stovepipes that they called Quaker guns, crossed the Ohio River,

captured some weapons and a hospital full of wounded Union soldiers, and then abandoned the town later the same day.

Later that summer came the Battles of Baton Rouge, Cedar Mountain, Mannassas Station, the Second Battle of Bull Run, Richmond, KY, Chantilly, and Harper’s Ferry, all of which the Confederates won.

The Union won at South Mountain, but lost at Munfordville. On September 17 McClellan ended Lee’s invasion of the north at Anteitam, MD.

This was the bloodiest single day of the war with 22,717 dead, wounded, or missing. The rest of 1862 saw the battles of Perryville, Prairie Grove, Fredericksburg, and Chickasaw Bayou.

By the way, if this is starting to sound like baseball box scores, maybe you're getting a glimpse of why we don't usually do the military history. Right, but back to the Civil War:

1863 started in Tennessee with a Union victory at the Battle of Stones River, but also with a simultaneous Confederate victory at Galveston, TX.

There were lots of smallish skirmishes during the winter and early Spring, until the Battle of Chancellorsville in May, where Lee defeated Hooker, but Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded.

Jackson lost his left arm and then Lee said "I have lost my right arm." Jackson then proceeded to famously say "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of those trees," and then died 8 days later.

His arm, by the way, is buried with its own headstone near Chancellorsville.

The North won a bunch of battles in Mississippi at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Big Black River Ridge, and finally, Vicksburg.

That victory, along with the victory at Port Hudson, effectively ended the Confederates' ability to use the Mississippi River.

Fighting in June 1863 in Virginia was inconclusive with draws in Brandy Station, Aldie and Upperville, and then July brought the Battle of Gettysburg, a major Union victory.

This battle featured Pickett's famous charge, it was the end of Lee's second invasion of the North, it was the costliest battle of the war in terms of casualties and it led to, surprisingly, the Gettysburg Address.

The rest of that summer brought split results to Confederate victories at Fort Wagner, South Carolina.

They also won at Fort Sumter again, holding the fort against heavy Union bombardment, and they perpetrated a massacre of civilians in Warrens, Kansas.

The rest of 1863 saw battles at the Bayou of Force, Arkansas; a major Confederate win at Chickamauga; the battles of Bristoe Station, Wauhatchie, Rappahannock Station, Chattanooga again, Ringgold Gap, Fort Sanders and Mossy Creek.

Stan, are you making some of these places up? A creek cannot be mossy.

Oh man, we’re only to 1864. Gotta keep it moving. Stan, can you just indicate who won these on screen? Awesome.

The spring saw the Battles of Mansfield; Pleasant Hill, Louisiana and Fort Pillow, Tennessee.

Then there was the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, New Market, North Anna, Old Church and the Battle of the Cold Harbor, all in Virginia.

Summer brought the battles of Marietta, Georgia and Petersburg were all fought in Virginia as well.

And there was Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia; Monocacy, Maryland and Fort Stevens in the District of Columbia.

By the way, Abraham Lincoln himself went to observe that battle and the guy standing next to him got shot.

Then there were the Battles of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia and Atlanta, Georgia - a major Union victory won by General Sherman.

Also fought were the Battles of Ezra Church, Georgia; the Battle of the Crater in Virginia; the Battles of Mobile Bay, Alabama; Deep Bottom Globe Tavern and Jonesboro, Georgia, which solidified Union control of Atlanta.

Okay, autumn 1864 we are really in the home stretch. The Battles of Opequon, Fisher's Hill, Chaffin's Farm and Cedar Creek were all fought in Virginia.

Johnsonville, Tennessee; the Sand Creek Massacre; the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee; Fort McAllister, Georgia and Nashville, Tennessee finished out the year.

Alright, 1865 here we go:

The Battles of Fort Fisher, North Carolina; Hactcher's Run, Virginia; Bentonville, North Carolina; Fort Stedman, Virginia; Five Forks, Virginia; the Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia; Fort Blakely, Alabama; Sailor's Creek, Virginia, Appomattox Station, Virginia;

and, finally, the decisive battle, at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia, on April 8th, 1865, which resulted in Lee's surrender to Grant - there were a few more minor skirmishes - but the war was over!

[Libertage: American wins! And America loses?]

Ugh, so there you have it, an episode of Crash Course entirely about battles. What did we learn? Very little in the end.

And I know I missed many battles of the war, but I also didn't miss many. There's no big finish today because I am exhausted from all of those battles and all of that fighting and death - thanks for watching, see you next week.

Crash Course is produced and directed by Stan Muller. The script supervisor is Meredith Danko. Our Associate Producer is Danica Johnson. Today's show was written - by Stan. And our Graphics Team is Thought Café.

Every week there's a new caption for the libertage. If you'd like to suggest one you can do so in comments or you can also ask questions about today's video that will be answered by our team of historians.

Thank you for watching Crash Course and as we say in my hometown: Don't Forget to be Awesome.