Important Civil War Generals to Know for Civil War and Reconstruction

The Civil War featured key generals whose strategies and decisions shaped the conflict's outcome. Understanding their roles helps us grasp the war's complexities and its lasting impact during the Reconstruction era that followed.

1. Ulysses S. Grant

   • Commanding General of the Union Army who led the North to victory.
   • Known for his aggressive tactics and willingness to engage in total war.
   • Captured Vicksburg in 1863, gaining control of the Mississippi River.
   • Accepted Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.
   • Later became the 18th President of the United States.

2. Robert E. Lee

   • General of the Confederate Army, known for his leadership and tactical skill.
   • Led the Army of Northern Virginia and achieved significant victories at battles like Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
   • Advocated for a defensive strategy, but ultimately surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.
   • Symbol of the Southern cause and later became a controversial figure in American history.
   • His military decisions greatly influenced the course of the war.

3. William Tecumseh Sherman

   • Union general known for his "March to the Sea," which aimed to destroy Southern morale and resources.
   • Implemented total war strategies, targeting not just enemy troops but also infrastructure and civilian property.
   • Captured Atlanta in 1864, a significant victory that boosted Northern morale.
   • His tactics were controversial but effective in hastening the end of the war.
   • Later served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army during Reconstruction.

4. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson

   • Confederate general known for his fearless and aggressive tactics.
   • Earned his nickname at the First Battle of Bull Run for standing firm against Union attacks.
   • Played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Valley Campaign and Chancellorsville.
   • His death from friendly fire in 1863 was a significant loss for the Confederacy.
   • Remembered as one of the most skilled commanders of the Civil War.

5. George B. McClellan

   • Union general known for his organizational skills and cautious approach to warfare.
   • Led the Army of the Potomac but was criticized for his hesitance to engage the enemy.
   • Oversaw the Peninsular Campaign, which ultimately failed to capture Richmond.
   • Ran for president against Abraham Lincoln in 1864, reflecting his political influence.
   • His leadership style highlighted the challenges of military command during the war.

6. James Longstreet

   • Confederate general and one of Lee's most trusted commanders.
   • Played a key role in major battles, including Gettysburg and Chickamauga.
   • Advocated for a defensive strategy, which sometimes conflicted with Lee's aggressive tactics.
   • After the war, he became a Republican and supported Reconstruction efforts, which caused division among former Confederates.
   • His military decisions were pivotal in shaping the outcomes of several battles.

7. Nathan Bedford Forrest

   • Confederate cavalry commander known for his bold and unconventional tactics.
   • Gained a reputation for his ability to conduct rapid and effective raids.
   • Involved in the controversial Fort Pillow Massacre, which raised ethical questions about his leadership.
   • Post-war, became a prominent figure in the Ku Klux Klan, complicating his legacy.
   • His tactics influenced modern cavalry operations.

8. Philip Sheridan

   • Union general known for his aggressive tactics and effective cavalry operations.
   • Played a crucial role in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign and the Battle of Cedar Creek.
   • Known for his "burning" strategy, which aimed to destroy Confederate resources.
   • His leadership helped secure Union victories in the final stages of the war.
   • Later served as a key military leader during the Reconstruction era.

9. George Meade

   • Union general best known for his victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
   • Commanded the Army of the Potomac during a critical turning point in the war.
   • His leadership at Gettysburg halted Lee's invasion of the North.
   • Faced criticism for not pursuing Lee after the battle, which some believe allowed the Confederacy to regroup.
   • Continued to serve in various military roles until the end of the war.

10. Ambrose Burnside

    • Union general known for his distinctive facial hair and leadership style.
    • Commanded the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg, which resulted in a significant Union defeat.
    • His leadership was often criticized for poor strategic decisions and lack of aggression.
    • Later led troops in the Battle of the Crater, which also ended poorly for the Union.
    • Served as a governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. senator after the war.