American Civil War | War History

How the Confederacy Almost Won the American Civil War

Early in the American Civil War, the Confederacy almost won. It was not the complete victory the Union eventually achieved. Rather than conquering their opponents,…

The Birth of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment in the American Civil War

The recruitment of African-American soldiers was one of the most important moments in the American Civil War. In practical terms, it provided soldiers for the…

Ulysses S. Grant – Military Genius of the Civil War

The foremost Union commander of the American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant led his nation’s armies to a victory that united the fractured union. As…

5 Similarities Between Two of History’s Greatest Generals

The Duke of Wellington and Ulysses S. Grant were two of the greatest generals of the 19th century; arguably in the whole of history. Their…

Nine Reasons Why the South Lost the American Civil War

An extensive amount of effort has gone into studying the American Civil War. The reasons for the war and its outcome remain hotly debated. The…

How the American Civil War Became a “Total War”

The Civil War mobilized American resources on a scale only matched in WWII. It brought unparalleled destruction to many people. How did an initially restrained…

Punishing the Enemy, Feeding his Men: How General Ulysses S. Grant Changed the Course of the Civil War

General Ulysses S. Grant transformed the way the American Civil War was fought. By shifting to a strategy of “baseless” campaigning he freed himself from…

The Valley Campaign: Stonewall Jackson Defeats Four Union Armies

Stonewall Jackson was one of the most daring and eccentric commanders in American history. Nowhere was his leadership and tactical greatness better displayed than in…

Stonewall Jackson – A Flawed but Brilliant Commander

One of the greatest commanders of the American Civil War, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was also one of the most difficult to work with. Fierce, secretive,…

Nine Factors That Brought Stonewall Jackson Victory

General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was one of the most successful and eccentric commanders of the American Civil War. Despite a religious and personal fervor…

3 Wars That Paved the Way for World War I

The First World War was devastating in its scope and utterly unlike what national leaders expected. As such, it was seen by many as an…

General Burnside – The Swashbuckling Union General Who Pioneered Sideburns

What do a rifle, various railroads, the American Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War, the National Rifle Association, and sideburns have in common? Here is the…