Where the South Lost the War

This in-depth Civil War study examines two early Union victories that were instrumental in deciding the conflict’s ultimate outcome.

Some historians argue that the Civil War was decided in February 1862 with the collapse of the Confederate defenses of Forts Henry and Donelson on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. This ambitious offensive opened the whole Tennessee Valley to Union invasion and control, effectively cutting the Confederacy in two.

In domino fashion, the Confederates lost Nashville and central and western Tennessee. Memphis eventually fell, and the upper stretch of the Mississippi itself was brought under Union control. During this period, General Ulysses S. Grant came to prominence, putting him in place to lead the Union to victory.

Where the South Lost the War is a major contribution to Civil war literature. Shedding light on an overlooked campaign and revising conventional judgments on key players and events, author Kendall D. Gott provides a detailed, incisive, and even controversial study of the operation’s events.