The battle of Shiloh waged from April 6 to April 7,1862, and was undoubtedly the most gruesome battle of American history. In this terrible battle there were 20,000 casualties and each man was desperately trying to gain control of the Tennessee River. The Tennessee River was a major river and was best for transporting goods and troops. Who ever controlled the river controlled what went into Tennessee and what left.The battle was fought near a church called Shiloh hence the name, Battle of Shiloh. What had happened was this. General Johnston of the Union army divided his troops into many squads hoping that attacking at different intervals would throw the Confederates off and the South controlled Tennessee River would be theirs. Originally the battle was supposed to be a surprise attack on the Confederate fort that guarded the Tennessee River but when the scouts that Johnston had sent out ran into enemies it wasn't much of a surprise when the 40,000 Union troops stampeded down the hill towards the fort. The first day the Confederates controlled the battle and forced the Union's men to fall back to "The Hornet's Nest" a road controlled by the Union. There they stayed to gather themselves and count their dead. When all seemed lost reinforcements from General Buell arrived. Rallying around General Buell and his men, the Union drove the Confederates back all the way into Northern Mississippi and gained critical ground. In the battle General Johnston died but his army fought on and won the battle even without their General. Neither side made any mistakes during this terrible battle it was luck that won it.
The Battle of Shiloh
The battle of Shiloh waged from April 6 to April 7,1862, and was undoubtedly the most gruesome battle of American history. In this terrible battle there were 20,000 casualties and each man was desperately trying to gain control of the Tennessee River. The Tennessee River was a major river and was best for transporting goods and troops. Who ever controlled the river controlled what went into Tennessee and what left.The battle was fought near a church called Shiloh hence the name, Battle of Shiloh. What had happened was this. General Johnston of the Union army divided his troops into many squads hoping that attacking at different intervals would throw the Confederates off and the South controlled Tennessee River would be theirs. Originally the battle was supposed to be a surprise attack on the Confederate fort that guarded the Tennessee River but when the scouts that Johnston had sent out ran into enemies it wasn't much of a surprise when the 40,000 Union troops stampeded down the hill towards the fort. The first day the Confederates controlled the battle and forced the Union's men to fall back to "The Hornet's Nest" a road controlled by the Union. There they stayed to gather themselves and count their dead. When all seemed lost reinforcements from General Buell arrived. Rallying around General Buell and his men, the Union drove the Confederates back all the way into Northern Mississippi and gained critical ground. In the battle General Johnston died but his army fought on and won the battle even without their General. Neither side made any mistakes during this terrible battle it was luck that won it.
Picture of General Buell
Map of "Battle of Shiloh"
Battle of Antietam
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