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.