A* summary on the Early Battles of the Civil War for AQA A Level History students studying America (the American Civil War.) Written by a student now studying at Oxford University. Following this summary will guarantee you the top marks.
The Battle of Bull Run
-21st July 1861: Fought just miles from Washington in Virginia.
-Union: General Irvin McDowell -Confederate: General P.G.T. Beauregard (22,000 men with potential
reinforcements from Johnston who operated in the important
Shenandoah Valley.)
-McDowell spending an extra 3 days to finalise his plans after an inconclusive skirmish allowed Johnston and
his men to evade being watched and slip to join Beauregard.
-Both generals planned to outflank the other’s left flank, however an inexplicably complicated plan from
McDowell that required complex synchronisation, combined with effective Confederate scouting, led to
McDowell’s movements being given away.
-McDowell made many blunders, such as placing two artillery batteries within 300 yards of Jackson’s guards,
which negated their long range. They also required Union infantry to protect them, who soon became victim
to harsh attack.
-Jackson’s nickname ‘Stonewall Jackson’ came from his men standing like a stonewall in this battle.
-More reinforcements for the Confederates arrived, and later Jefferson Davis. Although the troops were
victorious, they were too scattered to pursue the Union soldiers, who managed to retreat to Washington D.C.
-The Battle convinced Lincoln and his cabinet that the Civil War would be a long and costly one.
-McDowell’s position was given to McClellan who set about organising and training the army.
The Battle of Shiloh
-April 1862.
-After the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson, Confederate General Johnston retreated, relinquishing Kentucky
and parts of Tennessee.
-He regrouped in Corinth, Mississippi and planned an offensive against Union Grant.
-Caught by surprise, the Union took time to organize and lead to fierce fighting.
-Johnston was mortally wounded, and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard took command.
-Reinforced Union forces held a defensive line at Pittsburg Landing.
-Unaware of the reinforcements, the Confederates launched a counterattack on April 7 but eventually
retreated.
-Pursued by Union forces, the Confederates fell back to Corinth.
-The Battle of Shiloh resulted in significant casualties (10,600 Confederate and 13,000 Union), but marked a
crucial Union victory.
-Grant's strategic command played a key role in the outcome.
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