Civil War Journal Season 2 Episode 12 The Battle of Chattanooga

In season 2, episode 12 of Civil War Journal, viewers witness the pivotal Battle of Chattanooga. This episode delves into the high-stakes conflict that took place from November 23-25 in 1863, which saw Union forces face off against Confederate forces for control of the Tennessee city.

The episode begins by setting the stage - Chattanooga was a vital transportation hub during the Civil War, and both Union and Confederate forces recognized its strategic importance. In the months leading up to the Battle of Chattanooga, Confederate troops had successfully driven Union forces out of the city, leaving the Union army in disarray. However, things were about to change.

The Union army, under the leadership of General Ulysses S. Grant, had formulated a plan to regain control of Chattanooga. The plan involved two prongs of attack - one from the northeast, led by General William T. Sherman, and one from the west, led by General George H. Thomas.

Viewers are then taken through the intense fighting that took place over the course of the battle. The episode includes detailed accounts of the skirmishes that occurred at Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Orchard Knob, among other locations. Through the use of maps and reenactments, viewers are able to get a sense of the terrain and the challenges faced by both Union and Confederate troops.

Perhaps the most thrilling part of the episode, however, is the retelling of the Union army's dramatic ascent up Missionary Ridge. After a failed assault earlier in the day, General Thomas ordered his troops to launch another attack on the heavily fortified Confederate position. Against all odds, Union forces were able to mount a successful charge up the ridge, ultimately forcing the Confederates to retreat.

Throughout the episode, viewers also learn about some of the key figures involved in the conflict. This includes General Grant, who orchestrated the Union's victory, as well as General Thomas, whose leadership and bravery during the Battle of Chattanooga earned him the nickname "The Rock of Chickamauga." The episode also includes several first-hand accounts from soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict, providing a humanizing perspective on the horrors of war.

At its core, the Battle of Chattanooga was a turning point in the Civil War, with the Union's victory paving the way for further successes in the coming months. By retelling this important moment in history, Civil War Journal offers a fascinating and engaging look at one of the greatest conflicts in American history.