Chickamauga-Chattanooga Campaign August-November 1863
Abstract
Chattanooga was a western theater decisive point for both the Union and Confederate armies long before and after this strategic campaign. What made Chattanooga a critical location was the extensive rail network. These rail lines of communication connected west to Nashville and Memphis, north to Knoxville and Richmond, and to the heart of the south in Atlanta and Charleston. To the Union, control of Chattanooga would provide a significant presence in the south, split the Confederacy between Tennessee and Georgia and establish a base of operations for future offensive operations in support of the overall national strategy. To the Confederacy, Chattanooga was vital to movement of materiel and soldiers between the eastern and western theaters. The Chattanooga Campaign is more about strategic leadership than tactical, terrain, or force ratio advantage. This paper will examine the strategic importance of the Chattanooga Campaign and the leadership of key commanders to the outcome of this campaign.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378273
Entities
People
- Robert M. Bell
Organizations
- United States Army War College