The Battle of Franklin: A Turning Point in the Civil War

The Battle of Franklin: A Turning Point in the Civil War

The Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864, was a pivotal engagement in the American Civil War. It took place in Franklin, Tennessee, and involved the Union Army of the Cumberland, led by Major General John Schofield, against the Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by Lieutenant General John Bell Hood.

Background

Following the Union victory at the Battle of Nashville, Hood's Confederate army was in a desperate situation. They had suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat south. Hood hoped to draw Schofield's army into a decisive battle, believing that a victory would boost Confederate morale and possibly force the Union to negotiate a peace treaty.

Schofield, however, was determined to avoid a pitched battle. He knew that Hood's army was desperate and might be willing to attack regardless of the odds. Schofield planned to use his superior numbers and firepower to protect his lines and retreat to Nashville.

The Battle

On November 30, 1864, Hood's army launched a series of assaults against Schofield's lines. The Confederates attacked repeatedly, but each time they were repelled by the Union defenders. The fighting was fierce and bloody, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

One of the most notable aspects of the battle was the Confederate attack on the Union's fortified position known as “Carter’s Creek.” Hood ordered a frontal assault by four divisions across an open field. This attack was met with devastating fire from the Union troops, resulting in a massacre of Confederate soldiers. This one attack alone resulted in over 6,000 Confederate casualties.

Aftermath

The Battle of Franklin was a decisive victory for the Union. Hood's army was shattered, losing over 6,000 men killed, wounded, or missing. Schofield's army, though suffering heavy losses as well, was able to maintain its position and retreat to Nashville. The battle ended Hood's hopes of achieving a decisive victory and marked a turning point in the war in the West.

Significance

The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, and it had a profound impact on the course of the war. It weakened the Confederate army in the West, and it helped to pave the way for the Union victory at the Battle of Nashville.

The battle also had a lasting impact on the city of Franklin. The battlefield is now a National Battlefield Park, and the city has a number of museums and historical sites dedicated to the battle. The battle is a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of preserving history.

Legacy

The Battle of Franklin is remembered today as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It is also a reminder of the importance of preserving history and honoring the memory of those who died in service to their country.