Crash Course U.S. History - Civil War Battles Overview

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: Civil War battles
• Note: Crash Course typically doesn’t focus on military history but will cover major battles due to audience interest.

Key Battles in Chronological Order

1861

• Battle of Fort Sumter: First shots fired; South victory.
• Battle of Rich Mountain: North victory.
• First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas): South victory; where "Stonewall" Jackson got his nickname.
• Battle of Wilson's Creek: South victory.
• Battle of Carnifex Ferry: North victory.
• Battle of Cheat Mountain: North victory.
• Battles at Balls Bluff and Chustinalla: South victories.

1862

• Battles of Mills Spring, Fort Henry, Roanoke Island, Fort Donelson: North victories.
• Battle of Hampton Roads: Draw; first ironclad ships fight.
• Battle of Shiloh: North victory.
• Siege of Corinth: North victory.
• Seven Days Battles: Mixed results, ends with Union victory at Malvern Hill.
• Battle of Antietam: North victory; bloodiest single day.

1863

• Battle of Stones River: North victory.
• Battle of Chancellorsville: South victory; Stonewall Jackson mortally wounded.
• Vicksburg Campaign: Series of North victories; ends Confederate use of Mississippi River.
• Battle of Gettysburg: Major North victory; turning point.

1864

• Battles at Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Cold Harbor: Virginia battles.
• Battle of Atlanta: Major North victory by General Sherman.

1865

• Battle of Appomattox Courthouse: Lee surrenders to Grant; end of the Civil War.

Reflections

• The episode provides an exhaustive list of battles, highlighting the difficulty of covering military history comprehensively.
• Emphasized the importance of certain battles in the broader context of the war.

Production Credits

• Produced by: Stan Muller
• Script Supervisor: Meredith Danko
• Associate Producer: Danica Johnson
• Graphics: Thought Cafe

Additional Notes

• Episode emphasizes the overwhelming number of battles during the Civil War.
• John Green humorously notes the challenge and exhaustion from recounting all battles.
• Viewers encouraged to participate in comments with captions or questions.