Sunday, February 20, 2011

What are the differences between The Battle of Shiloh and The Battle of Gettysburg?

There are, of course, innumerable differences between
battles fought in different areas by different commanders.  I will focus on a couple of
differences that are important.


Tactically, Shiloh was a
battle that had the Union on the offensive during the decisive action.  On the second
day, Union reinforcements arrived and their numbers allowed the Union to attack and to
win the day.  By contrast, at Gettysburg, the major action had the Confederates
attacking Union positions.


Strategically, Shiloh was part
of a Union offensive.  It was fought in Confederate territory as part of an invasion of
the South.  Gettysburg was fought in the North as part of a Confederate invasion. 
Gettysburg is seen as a turning point because it ended that invasion and the South's
best hope to win.  Shiloh, by contrast, is much less important from a strategic point of
view.

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