Why the US Civil War battle at Nashville Tennessee late in 1864 so important?

Answer 1

The Battle of Nashville in late December of 1864 was of vital importance. Events leading up to this battle are important as it became one that may have changed the course of the US Civil War.

After losing the Battle of Franklin, Union General John M. Scofield led his forces to shelter within the fortifications of Nashville. This situation had Scofield's forces joining with the Army of the Cumberland under General George H. Thomas. Union troops now numbered 55,000.

In pursuit of retreating Scofield was Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood, leading the second largest Confederate army, the Army of Tennessee. Bell had his troops position themselves south of the city.

At this time the combined Union forces in Nashville outnumbered Bell's army. Nevertheless, Bell welcomed an attack from Nashville. Bell believed he could withstand such an attack and this would present him with the opportunity for a counter attack. If Bell was successful, he could rescue Nashville from enemy hands and be able to recruit new soldiers in both Tennessee and Kentucky. With Union troops reeling, he could push through, past Nashville to the Cumberland Gap. Such a victory would serve the two goals just mentioned and also help Robert E. Lee's forces besieged at Petersburg.

Easing the pressure on Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and posing an immediate threat to the heartlands of the North, could change everything. Thus the importance of the Battle of Nashville in December of 1864. The fate of the Confederacy hung in the balance.