What was the significance of the fall of forts Henry and Donelson to the US Civil War?

Answer 1

The importance of the Union's capture of forts Henry and Donelson cannot be over estimated. It began the concept of "unconditional surrender" as one theme of importance. The forts were captured in early 1862, which were the North's first set of major victories in the war. The loss of the forts were a stunning defeat for the South. Union General US Grant is given the credit for the victories. Among other things, it gave the North the initiative and caused the South's evacuation of the heavily fortified Southern positions in Columbus, Kentucky. The capture of these forts changed the entire situation of the war in the West.

Answer 2

The taking of Fort Donelson in February 1862 by the Union Army of the Tennessee (US Grant commanding) was significant for several reasons. First it was the first major victory for the Union, beginning the extraordinary ascendancy of Ulysses Grant. Secondly it secured the lower reaches of both the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, opening the way for the occupation of Nashville. Third it cut off large numbers of Confederate forces from their supply lines and compelled the evacuation of Bowling Green Kentucky (as well as the aforementioned Nashville). Fourth was the surrendering of large numbers of prisoners, who although paroled and would eventually fight again, still had to give up their arms and had to be reequipped. The campaign also saw the beginning of successful cooperation between US Naval riverine forces and The Union Army which would be the hallmark of Grant's campaigns in the west leading to victories at Shiloh (Pittsburgh Landing), Vicksburg and Chattanooga.

Answer 3

For the Union to gain mastery of the Cumberland river, as a major military highway.

The battle was important because the highly-rated Confederate General Sidney Johnston had to retreat, and the unknown U.S. Grant came to notice when he coined the term 'Unconditional Surrender', which became his nickname.

Answer 4

The importance of the Union's capture of forts Henry and Donelson cannot be over estimated. It began the concept of "unconditional surrender" as one theme of importance. The forts were captured in early 1862, which were the North's first set of major victories in the war. The loss of the forts were a stunning defeat for the South. Union General US Grant is given the credit for the victories. Among other things, it gave the North the initiative and caused the South's evacuation of the heavily fortified Southern positions in Columbus, Kentucky. The capture of these forts changed the entire situation of the war in the West.

Answer 5

Under the direction of Union Major General Henry W. Halleck, General US Grant was ordered to capture the Confederate Fort Donelson. It was a joint naval and army operation. The fall of this fort secured the Union army's flank. Halleck was able to move troops along the Tennessee River as far as was possible.

Answer 6

The Union won the victory against Fort Donelson

Answer 7

The main significance of Fort Henry and Donelson is the fact that after both forts were defeated by Ulysses S. Grant. It helped to open up the west for attack by the Union.

Answer 8

General US Grant won the Battle at Fort Donelson in early 1862. He used the combination of Union gunboats and his army to force the fort to surrender.