The American Civil War: Vol. 2: The War in the West, 1861 – July 1863 (Essential Histories)

The American Civil War's vast Western Theater witnessed enormously important military campaigning during the period 1861 - 1863. This book, the third in a four-volume series, examines the geographical, logistical and strategic factors that shaped fighting in this theater, as well as assessing officers who played key roles . It covers the story of Ulysses S Grant's important capture of rebel positions before marching south to win the battle of Shiloh, as well as that of Albert Sidney Johnston, the pride of the Confederacy. Finally, it details the dramatic events of the siege of Vicksburg, the Confederates final fortress. Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 6 Introduction: The nation in crisis......Page 7 Chronology......Page 15 The North and South compared......Page 17 A nation at war......Page 21 Struggle for the heartland......Page 27 Billy Yank and Johnny Reb at war......Page 68 John Beatty, a Union soldier......Page 74 Societies at war......Page 78 Kate Stone, a Confederate civillian......Page 87 The promise of summer......Page 90 Bibliography......Page 92 Index......Page 94 Although some contemporaries of the conflict, as well as some later scholars, claimed that the war was inevitable, neither side had prepared for the conflict.