Ep 28. The Taking of New Orleans

The episode titled "The Taking of New Orleans" is the 28th episode of the second season of the documentary series "Civil War Journal." The episode explores the capture of the city of New Orleans by Union forces during the American Civil War.

The episode starts with an introduction of the Union's plan to take control of New Orleans, a crucial city for the Confederacy due to its position on the Mississippi River. The Union army, led by General Benjamin Butler, was tasked with capturing the city which held great economic and symbolic value for the Confederacy.

The episode outlines the importance of New Orleans and its strategic location as a port city. It was the largest city in the Confederacy, and its capture would seriously hinder the Confederate war effort. The Union army believed that by taking control of New Orleans, they could control the entire Mississippi River, cutting off supplies and troops from reaching Confederate forces to the West.

The episode then delves into the details of the capture of New Orleans. It explains how the Union army created a diversionary tactic by sending a bombardment force upriver to distract the Confederate forces from the actual attack taking place downriver. This allowed the Union forces to bypass the Confederate guns, making their way into the city with little resistance.

The documentary portrays the New Orleans campaign as a prime example of an urban amphibious operation taking place during the Civil War. It highlights the difficulties of fighting in a densely populated city with tight streets and alleys. The soldiers had to navigate around buildings and through narrow passageways while also facing opposition from Confederate soldiers.

The episode then describes how General Butler took control of the city and implemented his policies, which were controversial and unpopular among the local population. Butler's policies included strict enforcement of martial law, which he enforced ruthlessly, especially against those who resisted Union control. The show presents the different perspectives from both Union and Confederate eyewitnesses, highlighting the effects of occupying an enemy city.

Overall, the episode offers a vivid portrayal of one of the most significant moments of the Civil War and its impact on the Union's ultimate victory. The documentary creates an immersive experience by drawing on the testimony of soldiers, civilians, and other eyewitnesses to give the audience a sense of what it was like to be part of the New Orleans campaign. The audience can learn a lot about the strategies employed during the Civil War and the effectiveness of different tactics used to control the population during wartime.

In conclusion, "The Taking of New Orleans" is a thought-provoking episode in the "Civil War Journal" series. It provides a comprehensive and engaging account of a crucial campaign and its impact on the outcome of the Civil War. The episode serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the devastating impact it had on both the soldiers and civilians involved.