Today in History: April 15

President Lincoln issues a Proclamation calling for 75,000 militiamen, and summoning a special

session of Congress for July 4.

Robert E. Lee, son of a Revolutionary War hero, and a 25 year distinguished veteran of the United

States Army and former Superintendent of West Point, is offered command of the Union Army. Lee

declines.

Bellringer

When you think of battles that occurred during the Civil War which battles come to mind? List at least 2 and explain why.

People will be randomly called on to answer the question.

The Outbreak of War

First Bull RunJuly 21, 1861

0First major battle between to the armies in Virginia 0Union Commander: McDowell0Confederate Commanders: Johnston and Beauregard

First Bull Run continued…

0Union troops would retreat Make it back to Washington by July 22 The retreat caused disorganization on both

sides Confederate soldiers would not pursue

First Bull Run continued…

0Total number of troops engaged: 60,6800Total number of casualties: 4,8780Result: Confederate victory0Lincoln realized this would be a long and costly affair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMTAIBAIJRY

Battle of Fort DonelsonFebruary 11-16, 1862

0Union Commanders: Foote and Grant0Confederate Commanders: Pillow, Floyd, and Buckner

Fort Donelson continued…

0Located in Northern Tennessee – Very close to Kentucky

0Winner would control waterways - Cumberland River0Confederate General Pillow – Oddest act of the Civil

War0 Believing the Confederates had won the battle, he told a

majority of his troops to return to their earthworks

Fort Donelson continued…

0With Confederates unprepared, Grant ordered Union troops to retake their lost ground and capture the earthworks

0The Confederates had to surrender.0 Grant said “No terms except unconditional

and immediate surrender can be accepted.” 0 This Union victory added to Grant’s fame

Battle of ShilohApril 6-7, 1862

0Union Commanders: Grant0Confederate Commanders: Johnston and Beauregard

Shiloh continued…

0Located at Pittsburg Landing on the Tennessee River0 Union soldiers established a battle line at the sunken

road known as the “Hornet's Nest” 0 Artillery helped to turn the tide for the Confederates

0During the first day’s attacks, Johnston was mortally wounded and was replaced by P.G.T. Beauregard.

Shiloh continued…0 The next day, reinforced Union army

outnumbered Beauregard’s army 0 Grant’s counteroffensive overpowered the

Confederates and they retreated

0 The two day battle resulted in more than 23,000 casualties

0 Important battle for control of the Mississippi Valley

0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7tODYREDv8

Battle of Shiloh – Broken Down

http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/shiloh/maps/battle-of-shiloh-animated.html

Exit Slip

On a sheet of paper write one interesting fact from each battle we discussed in class today. Turn it in before you leave.