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The Confederate commander at Fort Donelson in 1862 was General John B. Floyd. In defending the fort, Floyd violated one of Carl Von Clausewitz's first and foremost requirement for the security of his army's rear. His position did not form a right angle with the direction of a nearby line of retreat. In fact, to make matters worse his position paralleled the line of retreat. Floyd tried to correct his disadvantage by concentrating an assault on Grant's entrenched lines. This failed and Grant led a successful counter attack and Floyd had to surrender.

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What Federal fort was captured by Confederate volunteers in 1861?

Fort Henry and Fort Donelson were captured by General US Grant early in 1862. It was after the second victory, at Donelson, that US Grant demanded 'Unconditional Surrender' - a new phrase that caught the public imagination, made Grant famous overnight, and left him with a nickname that chimed favorably with 'U.S.' - his own initials, as well as his country's. It should be noted that very often US Grant granted parole to captured Confederate soldiers. The so-called "unconditional surrender" idea was a practice that was only sometimes used by the Union and by the South.


What battles was the most significant battle of the Civil War Antietam Gettysburg Vicksburg Explain fully?

Gettysburg was the turning point in the American Civil War. Lee made numerous mistakes that cost him the battle.


Was Mark Antony intelligent?

Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.


Site of first battle of the civil war?

The first shots were fired at Fort Sumpter. It was a Union fort designed to protect the harbor in Charleston SC. The Union surrendered the fortifications and left them to the Confederates.


Why do some US Civil War historians believe that the capture of Fort Donelson displayed no features of tactical genius?

The capture of Confederate Fort Donelson in February of 1862 was of great help to the Union's military operations in Tennessee. It gave the Union control of important Cumberland River. Taking this fort, however, did not take any ingenuity of special military leadership skills. And like most Union victories, Confederate forces were outnumbered. In reviewing the US Grant victory at Fort Donelson, the circumstances involved made it clear that General Grant's victory, which gained him fame in Northern newspapers was greatly overplayed. As Grant's army was approaching Fort Donelson, his army of 15,000 troops were given reinforcements by General Henry Halleck, Grant's superior in charge of the West. Grant soon had 23,000 troops and outnumbered Confederate commander Floyd's forces by a 2 to 1 advantage. Additionally, Grant had use of the Union gunboats to counter the forts own artillery batteries. Floyd made a terrible mistake which helped Grant attain a much needed Union victory. Floyd made the tactical error of of defending his position with the Cumberland River at his back. There were no bridges nearby that might have provided an escape route. Outnumbered and outflanked, the Confederate forces had little chance to stave off the offensives of the Union army. Clearly this victory aided the Union's efforts to drive deep into Southern territory. It would have been for naught however, if once again at Shiloh, Grant was rescued by General Buells reinforcements once again creating a large Union force pitted against the Southern army of Beauregard. There at Shiloh, it became a battle on day two of 66,000 Federals vs 45,000 Rebels. Had the Confederate forces succeeded in that battle, US Grant would have been replaced. In fact, Halleck wanted to do just that. Only US President Lincoln saved Grant. Grant had been criticized for being caught by surprise. Shiloh was a costly battle for both sides.

Related Questions

After the first battle of the Civil War both sides felt they had?

Made mistakes.


What is the significance of Fort Donelson and Fort Henry?

The UNION gained access to several rivers but most importantly the Mississippi river. This also made the union closer to completing the ANACONDA Plan


Who made the first attack on fort Sumter?

The fort was under union control before it was attacked by the south (south Carolina) and began the civil war.


What Federal fort was captured by Confederate volunteers in 1861?

Fort Henry and Fort Donelson were captured by General US Grant early in 1862. It was after the second victory, at Donelson, that US Grant demanded 'Unconditional Surrender' - a new phrase that caught the public imagination, made Grant famous overnight, and left him with a nickname that chimed favorably with 'U.S.' - his own initials, as well as his country's. It should be noted that very often US Grant granted parole to captured Confederate soldiers. The so-called "unconditional surrender" idea was a practice that was only sometimes used by the Union and by the South.


What Confederate general did Jefferson Davis blame for the fall of Fort Donelson in 1862?

Confederate President Jefferson Davis blamed the disaster at Fort Donelson on the commanding officer, Brigadier General John B. Floyd. Floyd never held a command again. Part of the blame however, can be placed on Confederate General Sidney Johnston. Floyd made the error of following Johnston's orders regarding defending against gunboats. Additionally, Johnston can be faulted for not having an experienced commander defend the fort. As it turned out, Johnston had an available commander suited to defending the fort in the person of Major General William J. Hardee.


When was My Mistakes Were Made for You created?

My Mistakes Were Made for You was created in 2007.


What battles was the most significant battle of the Civil War Antietam Gettysburg Vicksburg Explain fully?

Gettysburg was the turning point in the American Civil War. Lee made numerous mistakes that cost him the battle.


We have made a mistakes when you are in a hurry or make mistakes when we are in a hurry?

We make mistakes when we are in a hurry.


Who made red fort?

Red Fort (Agra) made by - Akbar Red Fort (Delhi) made by - Shahajanh


Was every thing made by mistakes?

No, a fair bit of items were made by mistakes but not everything was made by a mistake.


What is the biggest mistakes you've made?

I have found that the mistakes that are made in life are learning lessons and not to be regretted.


Was Mark Antony intelligent?

Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.Yes, he was an intelligent man. His mistakes were mostly made by his propensity for self-indulgence.