Historical Events tagged with "civil war"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Destruction of the Confederate Army at Nashville

December 15th, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Nashville marked a critical engagement in the American Civil War, as Union forces under General George H. Thomas decisively defeated Confederate General John Bell Hood's Army of Tennessee. Fighting began on December 15 and concluded the following day, leading to significant casualties and the collapse of Confederate defensive positions. With Hood's forces routed, the Union secured a vital victory in the Western Theater, impacting the future course of the war and the Confederacy's ability to sustain its military efforts.

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Military & Warfare

Sherman's Troops Reach Savannah's Defenses

December 10th, 1864 160 years ago

Major General William Tecumseh Sherman's Union Army troops reached the outer Confederate defenses of Savannah, Georgia. This milestone followed a relentless campaign that began in Atlanta, where Sherman's forces employed a strategy of total war, aiming to cripple the Confederate war effort. As they approached Savannah, they encountered minimal resistance, showcasing the depletion of Confederate resources and morale. The fall of Savannah was seen as critical to the Union's objective of dividing the Confederacy and hastening its defeat.

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Military & Warfare

Union Cavalry Victory at Waynesboro, Georgia

December 4th, 1864 160 years ago

Union cavalry forces achieved a decisive victory over Confederate cavalry in Waynesboro, Georgia, which was pivotal for Union Army operations. This clash effectively opened the pathway for General William T. Sherman's forces to advance toward the Atlantic coastline as they conducted their infamous march through the South. The Union's success at Waynesboro showcased their military strategies and mobility during the campaign, further undermining Confederate resistance in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Missed Chance at Spring Hill

November 29th, 1864 160 years ago

The Confederate Army of Tennessee failed to decisively engage and crush the Union Army of the Ohio at the Battle of Spring Hill. This occurred during the Franklin–Nashville campaign, highlighting the mistakes of Confederate General John Bell Hood and resulting in a significant strategic setback for the South. The Union forces, under General John Schofield, successfully withdrew under the cover of darkness, preserving their army and resources for future engagements.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Attempt to Incinerate New York City

November 25th, 1864 160 years ago

A group of Confederate operatives, known as the Confederate Army of Manhattan, initiated a coordinated attack by setting fires in over 20 different locations throughout New York City. Their goal was to wreak havoc and cause significant damage to the city. Despite their efforts, the operation ultimately failed, and the city remained largely intact. The attacks were part of a larger strategy by the Confederacy to disrupt Union supply lines and morale as the Civil War continued.

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Politics & Government

Nevada Joins the United States as 36th State

October 31st, 1864 160 years ago

Nevada was officially admitted as the 36th state of the United States following rapid growth due to the silver mining boom in the region. The state capital, Carson City, became a focal point for governance. The admission was also strategically timed to bolster support for President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, as Nevada's electoral votes were critical for his re-election campaign. The unique circumstances surrounding Nevada's statehood highlighted the significance of resource-rich territories in the expanding United States.

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Military & Warfare

Union Assault on Richmond Fails

October 28th, 1864 160 years ago

A Union force launched an attack on Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy, which was met with fierce resistance from Confederate defenders. Despite the Union's plans to capture the city and potentially end the war, the assault was repelled effectively. The battle illustrated the challenges the Union faced in attempting to penetrate the deeply fortified Confederate positions around the city.

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Crime & Law

Confederate Bank Robbery in Vermont

October 19th, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate agents from Canada executed a bold bank heist in Saint Albans, Vermont, robbing three banks in a single day. Led by Captain Bennett H. Young, the group stole over $200,000 in cash and valuables, making their escape as U.S. Marshal Allan Pinkerton coordinated the pursuit. The raid aimed to disrupt Union finances and illustrate Southern resolve as the Civil War approached its final phases, showcasing the lengths to which Confederates would go to gather resources amidst dwindling support.

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Military & Warfare

Cedar Creek Crushes Last Confederate Threat

October 19th, 1864 160 years ago

The Battle of Cedar Creek was a significant confrontation in the American Civil War, taking place in Virginia. On this day, Union forces led by General Philip Sheridan clashed with Confederate troops under General Jubal Early. After an initial surprise attack by Early's forces, Sheridan rallied his men, launching a decisive counterattack that turned the tide of the battle. By the end of the day, the Union secured a decisive victory, effectively ending the Confederate threat to Washington, D.C.

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