What Happened This Year 1864
Historical Events from This Year 1864
Union Rout at Bull's Gap by Breckinridge
The Battle of Bull's Gap culminated in a decisive victory for Confederate forces under Major General John C. Breckinridge. The Union troops, faced with significant pressure, were forced to retreat, resulting in a chaotic retreat towards Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. This three-day confrontation took place in the context of larger military movements during the American Civil War, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control in the region. Breckinridge's pursuit exemplified the tactical advantages he was able to leverage over Union forces.
Continue ReadingSherman's Bold March to Savannah
Union General William Tecumseh Sherman commenced his March to the Sea from Atlanta, Georgia, aiming to cripple the Confederate war effort. Sherman’s army of 60,000 men marched across the state to Savannah, implementing a strategy of total war, intending to destroy both military targets and civilian infrastructure. The march covered approximately 300 miles and lasted until December 21. This campaign aimed to disrupt supply lines and will to fight for the Confederacy.
Continue ReadingConfederate Attempt to Incinerate New York City
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.
Continue ReadingMassacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho at Sand Creek
Colonel John Chivington led Colorado volunteers in an attack that resulted in the massacre of at least 150 Cheyenne and Arapaho noncombatants at Sand Creek. The assault targeted a peaceful settlement, primarily consisting of women, children, and the elderly, who had been assured they would be safe under U.S. protection. This attack escalated tensions between Native Americans and settlers in the Colorado Territory.
Continue ReadingConfederate Missed Chance at Spring Hill
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.
Continue ReadingConfederate Army's Defeat at Battle of Franklin
In a fierce confrontation, the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General John Bell Hood, launched a direct assault on the Union Army of the Ohio, commanded by General John Schofield, in Franklin, Tennessee. The attack resulted in catastrophic casualties for the Confederates, marking a significant turning point in the Civil War. Hood's forces suffered heavy loss, with thousands falling in a short span, demonstrating the fatal impact of direct assaults against fortified positions. This bloody battle underscored the diminishing capabilities of the Confederate army in the face of the Union's strategic advantages.
Continue ReadingUnion Cavalry Victory at Waynesboro, Georgia
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.
Continue ReadingPope Pius IX Issues Quanta Cura Encyclical
Pope Pius IX published the encyclical Quanta cura along with its accompanying appendix, the Syllabus of Errors, addressing the authority of the Catholic Church while condemning various liberal ideas. This document was released from the Vatican and aimed to respond to the growing influence of liberalism during the Age of Enlightenment. It outlined the Church's positions against modern ideas regarding secularism, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state.
Continue ReadingSherman's Troops Reach Savannah's Defenses
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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