Background:
The First Battle of Franklin was a crucial engagement during the American Civil War, fought on November 30, 1864. Union forces under Maj. Gen. John Schofield were attempting to advance on Confederate positions in southern Tennessee when they encountered a sizable Confederate army led by Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood.
Confederate Strategy:
Hood's strategy was to use his superior numbers and aggressive tactics to overwhelm the Union forces. He hoped to trap Schofield's army near the town of Franklin, Tennessee and inflict a decisive defeat.
Union Strategy:
Schofield's strategy was to defend against Hood's attacks and withdraw to safety if necessary. He expected Confederate advances to be primarily through the open fields around Franklin.
Initial Engagements:
The battle commenced at dawn with a Confederate artillery barrage. Union forces responded with their own artillery and infantry fire, and the fighting intensified throughout the morning. Confederate infantry launched several assaults against the Union lines, but were repeatedly repulsed.
Sallyport Defense:
In a desperate move, Confederate forces attempted to breach the Union defense through the citadel's sallyport. However, Union troops under the command of Brig. Gen. John Croxton held their ground and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers.
Bloody Repulses:
Throughout the afternoon, Confederate assaults continued relentlessly. The Union lines held firm, but the fighting was brutal and bloody. Confederate casualties mounted as Union troops defended their positions with ferocity.
Nightfall:
As darkness descended, Schofield ordered his troops to fall back to the north. The Confederates were unable to pursue effectively, and the Union forces escaped relatively unscathed.
Casualties:
The First Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The Union lost 2,326 casualties, while the Confederates suffered an astounding 7,200 casualties, making it one of the highest casualty rates of the war.
Significance:
Although the Union forces withdrew from Franklin, the battle was considered a tactical draw. However, it had a profound impact on the Confederate army. Hood's aggressive strategy proved costly, and his army was significantly weakened by the losses sustained. The battle marked a turning point in the Civil War and paved the way for the eventual Union victory.
Effective Strategies:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
The First Battle of Franklin was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War for several reasons:
The battle had several positive outcomes:
Table 1: Casualties at the First Battle of Franklin
Side | Killed | Wounded | Missing | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Union | 895 | 1,351 | 80 | 2,326 |
Confederate | 5,164 | 1,944 | 92 | 7,200 |
Table 2: Union Commanders at the First Battle of Franklin
Name | Rank | Command |
---|---|---|
John Schofield | Maj. Gen. | Army of the Ohio |
Thomas Ruger | Brig. Gen. | Third Division, XXIII Corps |
Emerson Opdycke | Brig. Gen. | Second Division, XXIII Corps |
Jeremiah Sullivan | Brig. Gen. | First Division, XXIII Corps |
Table 3: Confederate Commanders at the First Battle of Franklin
Name | Rank | Command |
---|---|---|
John Bell Hood | Lt. Gen. | Army of Tennessee |
Benjamin Cheatham | Maj. Gen. | Hood's Corps |
Patrick Cleburne | Maj. Gen. | Cheatham's Corps |
Simon Buckner | Maj. Gen. | Buckner's Corps |
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