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

The Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30, 1864, was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. It took place near Franklin, Tennessee, and involved a desperate attack by Confederate forces under the command of General John Bell Hood against Union troops led by Major General John Schofield. This battle, though ultimately a Union victory, resulted in devastating losses for both sides, marking a turning point in the war’s Western Theater.

The Battle’s Context

By late 1864, the Confederacy was on the defensive. General William T. Sherman’s successful Atlanta Campaign had crippled the South’s economy, and Union forces were advancing from the west. Hood, determined to relieve pressure on the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, launched a bold campaign to attack Sherman’s supply lines in Tennessee. This strategy ultimately led him to Franklin.

The Battle’s Course

On November 30, 1864, Hood’s Confederate army, weakened by previous battles and lacking adequate supplies, attacked Schofield’s Union troops, who were positioned in a strong defensive line around Franklin. The battle began with a fierce artillery barrage, followed by a series of desperate assaults by Confederate infantry. Despite their bravery, the Confederates were met with fierce resistance and heavy casualties. The Union troops, dug in and supported by artillery, inflicted significant losses on the attacking force.

The Battle’s Aftermath

The Battle of Franklin ended in a Union victory, but at a terrible cost. The Confederates suffered over 6,000 casualties, including 1,750 killed. The Union army, while victorious, also sustained significant losses, with over 2,300 casualties. The battle’s outcome significantly weakened Hood’s army and effectively ended his campaign to relieve pressure on Richmond.

The Battle’s Significance

The Battle of Franklin is considered a turning point in the Western Theater of the Civil War. It marked a significant setback for the Confederacy and contributed to the eventual Union victory. The battle’s impact is still felt today, with the Battle of Franklin Trust dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the war, providing valuable resources for understanding this significant conflict.

Learning Resources

• The Battle of Franklin Trust: https://www.battleoffranklintrust.org/
• The National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/frsp/learn/historyculture/battle-of-franklin.htm

The Battle of Franklin stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of soldiers on both sides of the Civil War. Its legacy continues to inform our understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.