How does the Battle of Shiloh impact us today?
The Battle of Shiloh was easily the most important battle of Civil War history for several reasons. It was the start of the North's journey to victory. The surrender of the South and destruction of two of their main forts at Shiloh lead to their loss at Vicksburg. Which eventually brought the Yankees to capture the Mississippi, thus splitting the South in half and weakening their forces.
If it weren't for General Grant's stubborn troops and well executed battle techinques, Shiloh could've ended very differently. Especially if the North never taken over the Mississippi River, the South could've won the Civil War and we'd still have slaves today. We'd still be lost, where we were several years ago, enslaving the innocent based on the color of their skin. And last, but not least, Shiloh helped us to recognize the brutality of war and the pain and death it truly inflicts not only on individuals or families, but also how it impacts us as a nation. Remembering this heartbreaking event in history and the great sadness that it brought will remind us not to repeat our previous actions. |