Ep 15. Shiloh, Part One: Tennessee River Campaign

Unknown Civil War Season 1 Episode 15: Shiloh, Part One: Tennessee River Campaign

In this episode, we delve into the Tennessee River Campaign which took place in early 1862, with a focus on the battle of Shiloh. This was a crucial campaign for both the Union and Confederate forces, as it could determine the fate of the western theater of the war.

We start by learning how the Union army, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, had taken control of Forts Henry and Donelson, located on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers respectively, in February 1862. This gave the Union control of the waterways and opened up a path towards the heart of the Confederacy.

However, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston was not about to let this happen without a fight. He gathered his forces, and in March 1862, launched a surprise attack on the Union army at Pittsburg Landing, near Shiloh Church. This attack was an attempt to drive the Union army back into the river and stop their advance through Tennessee.

The battle of Shiloh was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, with casualties on both sides totaling over 23,000. The episode explores the tactics and strategies used by both the Union and Confederate forces, as well as the experiences of the soldiers who fought there.

We learn about the key players in the battle, including Grant and his subordinate, General William T. Sherman, as well as Confederate Generals Johnston and P.G.T. Beauregard. The episode also delves into the impact of the battle on the war as a whole, and how it changed the course of the conflict.

Throughout the episode, we hear from historians and experts who provide context and analysis of the events, as well as firsthand accounts from soldiers who were there. We learn about the challenges faced by both sides, including the terrain, weather, and logistics of conducting a large-scale military campaign in unfamiliar territory.

By the end of the episode, we see how the battle of Shiloh set the stage for the rest of the Tennessee River Campaign, which would ultimately lead to Union control of much of the western theater of the war. It also highlights the cost of the conflict, both in terms of human lives and the destruction of communities caught in the crossfire.

Overall, Shiloh, Part One: Tennessee River Campaign is a fascinating exploration of a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and an excellent example of how Unknown Civil War uses expert analysis and firsthand accounts to bring history to life.