The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862, was a pivotal early engagement in the American Civil War. Located in southwestern Tennessee near the little town of Shiloh, the battle involved an unexpected early morning assault. Union General Ulysses S. Grant's army, stationed at Pittsburg Landing, faced a surprise offensive by the Confederate forces under General Albert Sidney Johnston. The objective for Johnston was to defeat Grant's army before it could be reinforced by additional Union troops. The battle opened fiercely, with confusion among Union troops who were caught unprepared and disorganized.

As the battle unfolded, the Confederate forces initially gained ground, pushing the Union troops back and inflicting considerable casualties. However, the arrival of Union reinforcements led by General Don Carlos Buell turned the tide, allowing Grant to regroup and counterattack. The second day of fighting saw fierce hand-to-hand combat, with many casualties on both sides. Ultimately, the battle resulted in a staggering number of approximately 23,746 casualties, making it one of the bloodiest battles in American history up to that point.

The Battle of Shiloh concluded with a strategic victory for the Union, allowing them to maintain control over western Tennessee. This engagement underscored the brutal nature of the Civil War and demonstrated the need for both sides to reassess their combat strategies and readiness. The Union's ability to withstand the surprise Confederate assault had important implications on morale and military tactics for both armies moving forward.