The Battle of Nashville was fought from December 15 to December 16, 1864, as part of the larger context of the American Civil War, particularly within the Western Theater. General George H. Thomas led the Union Army of the Cumberland against the Confederate forces commanded by General John Bell Hood. After their earlier successes, Hood's army was exhausted and depleted, having suffered severe losses in previous engagements. This battle was pivotal as it aimed to secure Union dominance in Tennessee and ultimately the South. The Union forces launched a coordinated assault, effectively utilizing their superior numbers and artillery to overwhelm the Confederates. The fighting was intense, particularly around important defensive positions held by Hood's troops. As the Union forces gained ground, Hood's army began to crumble under the pressure, leading to a retreat and significant casualties.

The Battle of Nashville not only resulted in a decisive victory for the Union but also had profound implications for the Confederate Army of Tennessee, effectively destroying its capability as a fighting force. The defeat prompted many of Hood's soldiers to abandon the cause altogether, further diminishing Confederate morale. The Union victory at Nashville secured Tennessee as a Union stronghold and was a critical step towards achieving total Union victory in the Civil War. The battle showcased the effective military strategy employed by General Thomas and illustrated the declining capability of the Confederacy to wage war.