Book Review: 100 Years of Solitude

Quite surprisingly I had not heard of Gabriel Garcia Marquez until maybe three years ago when I made a study on the greatest works of literature (Top 100 Classic Novels). It was encouraging to see that this Latin American author from my heritage of Colombia had not one but two novels regarded as masterful works. His two most famous novels 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera demonstrate Colombian culture and history. The publication of 100 Years of Solitude brought world fame to Marquez and even won him the Nobel Prize. He had introduced a new and original style of magical-realism that incorporated the essence of Latin America. 

So I've had both these books on my read-list since I discovered them, but as usual have been deep into my history books or European classics. It wasn't until my past trip to Europe that I was reminded of these books on my list. It was at a bar in Stavanger, Norway that Andres and I had a few drinks with an American. Normally we try to avoid Americans in Europe but this guy was by far one of the most interesting Americans I've met in a while. He was in his late 20s, living a Bohemian lifestyle in Europe bouncing from job to job. He was working as a professor and well versed in classic literature. He reminded me of Ernest Hemingway portrayed in the film Midnight in Paris. For over an hour we discussed classic literature, but he especially went on about the writings of Marquez. I promised myself that night that I would finally take on these classics works of Colombian literature. 

I read a few more books after my Europe trip then went ahead and bought both of Marquez's famous books on Amazon. I can often be seasonal about my books or movies, and since this one was set in the jungles it seemed like a good summertime book. I started the book a couple weeks ago and quickly realized it was very different from most books I read. While the structure was linear, the plot was all over the place focusing on many characters. As the title suggests it takes place over 100 years so deals with various generations of family members. I can say up front it's not quite what I expected and I wasn't as drawn in as I thought I would be. There were times where I just found it difficult to comprehended what was going on. I'll get more into my review later, but first would like to share the premise of the book. 

The Premise

The book takes place in rural Colombia, most likely in the early 1800s. The setting incorporates a unique blend of fantasy and reality, known as magical realism. At the onset there is no mention of Simon Bolivar's ongoing Spanish Wars of Independence. Instead the book primarily focuses on the Buendia family and their surroundings in rural Colombia. The patriarch of the family is Jose Arcadio Buendia and he leaves the coastal town of Riohacha to establish the fictional town of Maconda. This town is the basis of the book, and represents a utopian society disconnected from the real world. Jose is a headstrong adventurer and is married to his first cousin and equally headstrong woman Ursula. As in many Latin families Ursula becomes the backbone matriarch of the family, and long outlasts her husband.

Upon it's establishment the town is very disconnected only visited by traveling gypsies. The leader of these Gypsies is an interesting man named Melquaides who introduces new scientific discoveries to Jose Arcadio Buendia. In turn the patriarch becomes obsessed with inventions and alchemy and further isolates himself from society. Ursual and Jose have three children, Jose Arcadio, Aureliano Buendia, and Amaranta. The eldest son Jose Arcadio runs away from the town, becomes a pirate covered in tattoos, and later returns to marry his adopted sister Rebeca. The second son Aureliano Buendia joins the liberals in the civil war against the conservatives. And the daughter Amaranta never marries but is always bitter towards her adopted sister Rebeca. Much of the early part of the book deals with the Colombian Civil War between liberals and conservatives. While not identifying which particular historical war, Marquez is referencing the various political and violent struggles in the country. 

The city of Maconda is eventually annexed by the Colombian government under the administration of Don Apolinar Moscate. The patriarch Jose Arcadio Buendia allows the government to stay in his town, but demands them to remove their soldiers. Aureliano Buendia first falls for the administrator's young daughter, Remedios but then he later has an affair with the outsider Pilar Ternera. Pilar comes from a different town, is a card-reader, and has love affairs with both brothers Jose Arcadio and Aureliano Buendia.

Aureliano Buendia leaves the town of Maconda to join the liberals in their civil war against the conservatives. He later becomes a well respected colonel and survives many attempts on his life. Throughout his years at war he has 17 children with various women. Meanwhile the son of Jose Arcadio and Pilar, Arcadio becomes a ruthless leader in Maconda as the civil war goes on. He marries the virtuous Santa Sofia de la Piedad and they have three children; Remedios the Beauty, and twins Jose Arcadio II, and Aureliano II. Arcadio is eventually confronted by Ursula for his tyrannical methods, and he is later executed by the Conservative army. Col Aureliano returns to sign a peace treaty in Maconda where he faces execution but is saved by his pirate brother Jose Arcadio. Days later Jose Arcadio is mysteriously murdered, maybe by Rebecca or maybe by the conservatives. Col Aureliano spends the remainder of his days in isolated solitude just as his father did. 

At this point the book shifts to it's third act, where a railroad has arrived in Maconda bringing in new technologies and foreign settlers. Some of these settlers include American businessmen who seek to establish a banana plantation near the town. The business booms for a while and brings new wealth to Maconda, however eventually a strike ensues. This leads to a massacre of the plantation workers, a reference to the historical Banana Massacre of 1928 that killed hundreds. The only survivor of the massacre is Jose Arcadio II, and the town of Maconda is forever scarred. Jose Arcadio II later dies at the exact same moment his twin brother does. 

Aureliano II marries the beautiful Fernanda del Carpio and they have three children; Amaranta Ursula, Jose Arcadio, and Renata Remedios. However Aureliano later has an affair with Petra Cortes, and their lovemaking mysteriously causes the livestock to reproduce at an excelled rate. At this point a major deluge of rainfall comes upon the town of Maconda for four years. The matriarch Ursula, who is now over 100 years old, survives the rainstorm but dies shortly after. Her great-great-grand daughter Amaranta Usula travels to Europe and marries a Belgian aviator Gaston. 

However once again their is an incestious affair in the family when Amaranta Ursula falls for her nephew Aureliano Babilonia (the son of Renata Remedios and Marucios Babilonia). They have a child, named Aureliano, but Amaranta Ursula dies during the birth. Their son Aureliano is born with a pigtail due to the incest and dies shortly after devoured by ants. The death of his lover and his son send Aureliano Babilonia into a grief stricken solitude. He spends the remainder of his days studying the texts of Melquaides , which metaphorically details the rise and fall of the Buendia family. Aureliano Babilonia later dies as the last of the Buendia line that also brings an end to the town of Maconda. 

Book Review

As I alluded to in my introduction I have rather mixed feelings about this book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I applaud the book for it's original use of magical-realism that creates a very subtle bit of fantasy in a very real world. I also think there are some deep underlying themes which I want to elaborate on. However I ultimately feel there is just too much going on in a 400 page book. There are too many characters and the time of 100 years is rushed and crammed into this overloaded soap opera. I think the book would have been much better suited as a series, or even a dramatic epic in the likes of Les Miserables or War and Peace (that have over 1000 pages). 

Another problem I have with the book is the similar names which make it difficult to associate whose who. Upon studying the family tree that spans 7 generations it appears all the characters are either named Jose, Ursula, Aureliano, or Amaranta. I found this very hard and confusing to follow and would often have to revert back to the family tree. While I understand it might be a vital element of a family lineage, a think a simple suffix would have been a lot easier to follow. Also I don't understand why Marquez found it necessary to include so much incest in his book. I don't think this is at all a characteristic that reflects on the devout religious society of Latin America. 

Now I'll try to point on the positives of this book, which was it's underlying themes and representations of Colombian history and culture. For starters, Marquez creates a beautiful fantasy setting in the town of Maconda. I pictured this as a village deep in the jungle secluded from the rest of society. I think this idea of Maconda represents a greater theme Marquez alludes to which is solitude. While the town is isolated from the real world, the characters also go thru their own personal times of loneliness. Examples include the patriarch Jose Arcadio Buendia who separates himself from the family to study his scientific curiosities. Then there is the Colonel Buendia who isolates himself to write poetry and craft golden fish. Even Remedios the Beauty who is desired by many men chooses a life of freedom and wisdom. I believe it's not quite clear whether Marquez is encouraging solitude or not, but his use of love and the destruction of Maconda could support the latter. 

Gabriel Garcia Marquez makes many references to Colombian history throughout this book. While he doesn't outright label them, it is unmistakable that he is using Colombia history as a backdrop of the somewhat fantasy setting. For example there are the Roma gypsies often voyaging thru Maconda in the book, including Melquiades. This is a real reference to the thousands of Romani people who escaped slavery from Europe and settled in Colombia. Another major historical reference in the book's plot is to the Thousand Days War which occurred in Colombia from 1899-1902. Many of the characters in the book partake in the rebellious war of liberals against conservatives. There is also the historical Banana Massacre of 1928 which makes up a good portion of the book. These are all real events of Colombia's history in which Marquez implements in his fantasy setting. 

I think the ultimate appeal of the book is Marquez's original creation of magical-realism. It's not a fantasy book like Lord of the Rings, however it's also not a real life drama like War and Peace. The magical element is actually a subtle part of the plot and especially adds to the poetry of Marquez's writing. Such examples include Remedios the Beauty ascending into heaven or the boom of livestock reproduction amidst the love of Petra and Aureliano II. Marquez really does drop some poetic elements to this book such as Santa Sofia, "who had the rare virtue of never existing until the opportune moment". Or the twins being exchanged at birth and at death. Or Ursula's out of body experience upon her death. It's ultimately a very unique book and although I wasn't blown away with it I did enjoy the originality of it all. I can see why it is considered such a masterpiece of world literature, and maybe some day I'll give it a 2nd run.  

Study of Colombian Culture

After many cultural studies, it's shocking that I have yet to make one regarding my heritage country of Colombia. It maybe cause I already know so much about it, just like American or Venezuelan culture. It's part of my upbringing and has always been a part of our family gatherings. But to be quite honest aside from the food, the language, and the soccer team there is still so much to learn about the history and culture of Colombia. I've made a few posts regarding Colombia's Soccer team, Colombian Soccer and Simon Bolivar Spanish Wars of Independence), however not a proper study on their culture and history. The country often gets a bad reputation for it's drug cartels, crime, and political insurgency. However it is also rich with culture and passion, devout Catholicism, unique diversity of mixed races, great coffee and great cuisine. 

I've always intended to make this cultural study, but I guess I've been waiting for something to inspire me. Well that time has finally come as I read the iconic work of literature by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 100 Years of Solitude. I decided to take on this book, a few months ago during my Euro Trip in Stavanger, Norway. One night at a bar I had a long conversation with an American who would not stop raving about the writings of Marquez. So after finishing a few other books I bought both of his most famous novels, 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera. I'm about half way thru the book and can honestly say I have mixed feelings but will later share a full review in a separate post. I first stumbled upon the significance of Gabriel Garcia Marquez when I went thru a literature phase in 2019. I discovered that his two books  are considered among the greatest works of literature. Having won the Noble Prize he is truly the pride of Colombia and often considered the greatest Latin American author aside Pablo Neruda or Jorge Luis Borges. 

In 100 Years of Solitude, Marquez has clearly captured the essence of Colombian culture. I've come to understand that Colombia culture is quite similar to Venezuelan culture. My grandma was born in Colombia and my mom was born in Colombia, and she later moved to Venezuela as a young kid. I visited Venezuela a few times as a kid, the last time being in 1999 and had a very good time but have still yet to visit Colombia. I am a huge fan of their soccer team, the coffee, the food, the beautiful women, the climate, and the geography. But I still have so much to learn regarding their history, art, architecture, and other cultural items. So here I will finally make a full study of Colombian culture, a nation that is very much on my bucket list. 

Colombian History

It is believed that present day Colombia was inhabited by indigenous people as far back as 15,000 years ago. This is many thousands of years after North America and Central America considering they journeyed southward from the Beringia bridge (Russia and Canada). The land of Colombia was essentially the doorway into the bulk of land that would become known as South America. The region of Colombia was inhabited along the Magdalena River by many various indigenous tribes such as the Muisca, Tibito, Wayuu, and Zenu. By around 10,000 BC the location of present day Bogota became a busy region of trade and civilization. 

From 5000-1000 BC these tribes spread throughout the land of Colombia improving their tools, hunting, farming, and political systems. One of the most organized tribes of this time was the Muisca Confederation, who had a tribe that rivaled the system of the Incas. However there never was a military dominant power in the Colombian Region such as the Incas of Peru or the Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico. For the most part there were 87 indigenous tribes in Colombia that lived rather peacefully until the Spanish discovery in 1499.

Just like the Native Americans were conquered in the north it was the same scenario for the Central and Southern ingenious tribes. The British in North America were at least a bit more civil than the Spanish conquistadors of Latin America. The most significant Spanish conquest of the pre-Colombian age occurred in 1538 where Gonzalo de Quesada conquered the Muisca warriors of Tisquesusa. From this point on the capital city of Bogota was founded by the Spanish and they became obsessed with legends of a golden city known as El Dorado. From this point on Colombia became a colony of the Spanish Empire, just as most of South America was. from 1717-1822, they were a part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada which included Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama. 

Following in the footsteps of the United States, the South American fight for independence officially began with a declaration of independence in 1810. The revolution was led by Simon Bolivar who initiated military campaigns all throughout the region of New Granada. His first major victory came at the Battle of Boyaca in 1819, where he was able to liberate the Colombian region. He then led successful campaigns in Venezuela, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. By defeating the Spanish Empire he established a new state known as Gran Colombia in 1821. 

The region of Gran Colombia quickly became a rising world power however did not last long due to differences between revolutionary leaders Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander. By 1831 the state broke up into smaller states, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia and Panama became the Republic of New Granada. Santander known as the "Man of the Laws" was the nation's first president from 1832-1837. Following the deaths of Bolivar and Santander, Colombia became divided by their political ideologies. Bolivar's party were known as the Conservatives and favored a centralized government in accordance with the Catholic Church. While Santander's party was the liberals which wanted a smaller government and seperated from the church. 

After years of civil dispute, in 1863 the Republic of New Granada restructured it's government to become known as the United States of Colombia. This was later replaced in 1886 to it's present day Republic of Colombia. However the civil conflict continued to escalate and reached a boiling point during the Thousand Years War from 1899-1902 (between the Conservatives and the Liberals). It was the bloodiest war in Colombian history, resulting in over 150,000 deaths. The Conservatives managed to sustain their control of the government, however the civil war led to great economic losses for Colombia as well as the separation of Panama. 

Despite the conservative victory, the political tension resumed well into the 20th century. After the assassination of prominent liberal leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan in 1948 a new civil war ensued known as La Violencia. The led to rioting in the streets of Bogota, as well as a ten year long conflict that resulted in 200,000 Colombian deaths. By 1956 a truce was agreed upon by both sides and they established the National Front as a way to rotate the presidency every four years. This system lasted for four presidencies from 1958-1974, however continued Communist insurgency led to it's demise. Supported by Cuba and Russia many Colombian guerilla organizations were established during the 70s such as the 19th of April Movement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the National Liberation Army (ELN). 

Aside from it's ongoing guerilla movements, Colombia suffered another major problem in the 1970s with the boom of drug trafficking. Drug cartels had established all throughout Colombia to produce, distribute, and sell illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. These drug lords became very powerful throughout Colombia, and used violence and terrorism as a means to push back against the government. One of the most famous of these drug lords was Pablo Escobar, who had become one of the richest men in the world from the 1980s-1990s thru his Medellin Cartel. By the 2000s the drug lords and the guerilla organizations had lost much of their influence, however they still remain in tact to this day. Colombia currently has a functioning democratic government, but is still a work in progress amidst much political tension and crime. 

Colombian Folklore

I believe a culture is best understood thru it's folklore whether that be an ancient myth, song, tale, or legend. The folklore of Colombia is shared with much of the upper region of South America as well as Latin America. For me the first one that jumps out is the tale of El Dorado. This legend of a city of gold and treasure first emerged from the Muisca tribes near Bogota. The Spanish conquistadors went on many missions in search for this lost city of gold. The tale expanded from a king, to a city, to a lost empire and it's location was searched all throughout Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. The mysterious treasure was of course never found after countless expeditions. 

There are many Colombian spirits and creatures in their folklore such as the mysterious vampire-like Tunda or the Patasola who seduce and kill men voyaging thru the jungles. Other monstrous creatures include the borano (the pale one), el pollo maligno (the evil chicken), or the hombre caiman (alligator-man). Other spirits include the Moan (that dwells in the forest), La Mojana (shapeshifting mother of the water), and the Madremonte (mother of nature) with her glowing eyes and plants as hair. Many of these creatures and legends are best demonstrated in Colombia's largest festival, the Carnival de Barranquilla. 

Colombian Literature

The inspiration of Colombian culture for me was derived from reading the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He is without question the most famous Colombian author as well as the most famous Latin American author. His two greatest works are 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera that later garnished him with a Nobel Prize in 1982. He incorporated an original style of magical-realism, which had a real setting with subtle magical elements. Much of his inspiration came from his home town of Aracataca, which was the basis of his fictional town known as Maconda. Marquez embraced the leftist/anti-imperial views of the 1950s/1960s while also embracing Colombia's history, culture, and it's geography. Some common themes in his books are that of isolation, violence (as demonstrated in Colombia's civil wars), and the imaginary location of Maconda. 

Colombian Architecture and Sites

There aren't too many architectural sites that jump out at me for Colombia, aside from one; Las Lajas Shrine. I've often seen this beautiful cathedral in pictures and it appears like something right out of a fairy tale. It's built on a mountain and a bridge, sitting in a canyon that is overlooking a river. It was completed in 1949 and remains one of Colombia's most iconic Catholic churches. Another iconic church with quite unique architecture is the Jesus of Nazareth Church in Medellin. The cities of Cartagena and Medillin are loaded with old cultural architecture. Famous geographical sites include the colorful Cano Cristales, La Tatacoa Desert, and the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira located in the mines.  

Colombian Art

One of the most famous Colombian artists is Fernando Botero. He has a trademark style in his paintings and sculptors which often depict human figures in an obese form. This is often done as a humorous satirical sense or sometimes a critical sense. His painting that I am most familiar is the assassination of Pablo Escobar. He is many art and sculptors located in his hometown of Medellin, as wall as all around the world in prominent plazas in Paris, Barcelona, and New York City. Another significant painter who arose during Colmbia's artistic renaissance in the 1950s was Alejandro Obregon. He was a painter, muralist, engraver, sculptor known for his abstract/cubism style often depicting the cruel violence of the civil wars. Many of his murals are scattered throughout Colombia, notably in the city of Baranquilla. 

Colombia Sports

I became a huge fun of Colombia's soccer team at the 2014 World Cup, where James Rodriguez carried them into the quarterfinals. With the support of other stars like Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, and David Ospina they have recently become a were rounded team. They made it to the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup but lost to England. Unfortaunyl they just missed qualifications for the 2022 World Cup. One of their most iconic soccer stars is Carlos Valderamma, well known for his large blonde afro. While soccer is by far their most popular sport they've also had some global success in the sports of cycling and boxing. One of their best Olympic performers is triple-jumper Caterine Ibarguen who won gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and silver at the London Olympics 2012. 

Colombian Music

Just like most of South America Colombia is well known for their rhythmic salsa, merengue, and cumbia music. This is dance music carried by heavy drums and elements of jazz and mambo. Another popular genre is the folk music born in the valleys known as Vallento, which has heavy accordion elements. The caja is a popular instrument which is essentially a drum that people sit on while they play.  Colombia also has a wide array of modern popular genres such as rock, jazz, classical, and pop. One of the most famous musicians to come from Colombia, is the pop/rock artist Shakira. With her catchy Latin tunes and hip shaking she has established a very original and popular style. She has many hits including several World Cup songs and even performed at the Super Bowl a few years ago. 

Colombian Cuisine

Having grown up in a Latin house hould I am quite familiar with the common Colombia dishes which are similar to the Venezuelan ones. Some of the staples include arepas, fried plantains (called platanos), empanadas, carne asada, with rice and beans as typical sides. The arepa is like a sandwich in south America made up of maize dough, and served with many varieties of meats, cheese, or veggies. Some common Colombian dishes include carne con coco, arroz con pollo, Bandeja Paisa, mondongo soup, and sancocho soup. Popular desserts include arroz con leche, pan con guava, flan, and majarete. They are of course best known for their rich coffee (and are 3rd in the world in production behind Brazil and Vietnam). The region of Paisa is the center of coffee production often symbolized with their iconic character of Juan Valdez. Other popular drinks include the hard liquor Aguardiente, cholado (fruit and condensed milk), and champus (maize, fruits, and cane sugar). 

Movies set in Colombia

• 
  Encanto (2021): It tells the story of a magical family set in a small village of Colombia. Produced by Walt Disney is has groundbreaking animation with many catchy songs. The film was a huge success and won the Oscar for best animated picture. Upon reading Gabriel Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude, I now believe his book was very much the influence of this film. It pertains to family, culture, yet also written with Marquez's style of magical-realism. It's one of the few popular movies to portray Colombia in a positive light. 

• Maria Full of Grace (2004): Tells the story of a young 17 year old woman who traffics drugs from Bogota to New York City by swallowing wrapped pellets. The lead actress Catalina Sandino Moreno was nominated for an Oscar.
  

• Romancing the Stone (1984): An American movie directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The story is an adventure film, where a woman journeys to Colombia to save her sister prom a group of pirates searching for treasure. I thought the film was rather dull, however it holds a high approval rating and was even nominated for an Oscar in editing. The film's success opened the door for Zemeckis to take on his even more ambitious project of Back to the Future.

• Blow (2001): Starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, the story takes place in 1980s America. It is based on the true story of George Jung who becomes a wealthy drug dealer and trafficker. He journeys to Colombia various times to establish a solid smuggling partnership where he eventually meets Pablo Escobar. The film received mixed reviews but I enjoyed it.  

• Colombiana (2011): Starring the sexy Zoe Saldana it pertains to an assassin seeking revenge for the murder of her family. At the young age of nine she witnesses her family killed in Bogota, Colombia then escapes to hide in America. She becomes a deadly killer often leaving a signature orchid at the scene of her crimes. I enjoyed this action film, mostly because of Zoe Saldana, however it is yet again another violence portrayal of Colombia. 

• 
  Loving Pablo (2017): Starring Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar and Penelope Cruz as the TV  journalist Virginia Vallejo. The movie pertains to the romantic relationship the two had during the 1980s. I have yet to see the film, but enjoy both actors and they obviously have a great screen dynamic since they are married in real life. 
  

• Escobar: Paradise Lost (2014): This time Benecio del Toro portrays the iconic drug lord Pablo Escobar. The film pertains to young romance and the complications that arise to association with Escobar. I saw this film and can honestly say I was not very drawn in by it. 

• Narcos (2015-2017): Without question the penultimate portrayal of Pablo Escobar and his Medellin Cartel. Produced by Netflix, the drama series consists of three seasons and 30 episodes. It was a very well done show, mostly set in Colombia with great writing and acting. The lead role of Escobar was played by Wagner Moura, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal. 

Historical Study: Battles of the Civil War

The past couple weeks my recent fascination with the Old South has transitioned to yet another fascination with the American Civil War. I have been in many Civil War phases now (usually around the fall time) inspired by some of my favorite movies such as Cold Mountain or Gone with the Wind. I also enjoy the old music of the Civil War era, it's fiddle, banjo, gospel, and folk style. I have studied and written about the topic from many different perspectives such as on slavery, the confederate ideology, the draft riots of New York, the Old West, and so forth. However I've yet to tackle the war head-on and give a proper outline of it's course. 

I first remember studying the Civil War in around 4th grade and being so intrigued by this idea of Americans fighting one another on our home soil. As a young boy I thought the Civil War was such a glorious story, with great political and military leaders on both sides fighting over the unjust institution of slavery. It was the last and also the bloodiest war fought on our land, causing the deaths of approximately 620,000 men. The Civil war was one of the most significant events in American history that forever changed our nation. In this post I want to give an outline regarding the course of the war and it's key battles. 

Battle of Fort Sumter

• 
  Date: April 12-13, 1861
• Location: Charleston, South Carolina
  
• Confederate Generals: P.G.T Beauregard
• Union Generals: Robert Anderson
• Confederate Force: 500-600
• Union Force: 85
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: Following a string of southern states seceding from the Union, this was the first military action of the Civil War. The tension over Fort Sumter began with the secession of South Carolina in December of 1860 and the inauguration of President Lincoln in March of 1861. The fort held a key location in the Charleston harbor, and the Confederacy demanded that the Union evacuated the fort. When Major Anderson refused this demand the Confederates bombarded the fort causing the Union soldiers to surrender. There were no deaths in the siege, however this aggressive action by the South lead to increased mobilization on both sides. 

First Battle of Bull Run

• 
  Date: July 21, 1861
• Location: Prince William County, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Joseph "Stonewall" Jackson, P.G.T Beauragard
• Union Generals: Irvin McDowell
• Confederate Force: 32,000-34,000 (387 killed)
• Union Force: 35,700 (2,708 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: This was the first major battle of the Civil War fought on open land. It was located just 30 miles south of Washington DC, and often regarded as the "picnic battle". This is because the battle had many civilian spectators, mostly consisting of elected officials from DC. The war also was significant in that it gave rise to the glory of Joseph Jackson who was witnessed by his men as standing tall during the engagement like a "stonewall". From this point on Stonewall Jackson established a reputation as a heroic leader and brilliant tactician. The victory by the Confederacy showed President Lincoln that the nation was in for a long fight. 

Battle of Wilson's Creek

• Date: August 10, 1861
• 
  Location: Wilson's Creek (near Springfield, Missouri) 
  
• Confederate Generals: Sterling Prince, Ben McCulloch, Nicholas Pearce
• Union Generals: Nathaniel Lyon, Franz Siegel, Samuel Sturgis
• Confederate Force: 1232 (277 killed)
• Union Force: 1317 (285 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: This was the first battle fought on the western front along the Mississippi River. The state of Missouri was a neutral state, however more sympathetic to the Confederate cause. The Confederate Army attacked and killed the first Union General of the war, Nathaniel Lyon essentially causing the Union Army to retreat from Southern Missouri. 

Battle of Fort Donelson

• Date: February 11-16, 1862
• 
  Location: Fort Donelson, Tennessee
  
• Confederate Generals: John B. Floyd, Gideon J. Pillow, Simon Bolivar Bucknar
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew H. Foote
• Confederate Force: 16,171 (327 killed)
• Union Force: 24,531 (507 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This battle fought in the western theatre was the first major victory for the Union army and also the arrival of General Ulysses S. Grant. The battle began as a Confederate attack however resulted in a successful counterattack by the Union soldiers. Gen Grant demanded an unconditional surrender of the Confederate rebels, which essentially gave the Union control of most of Tennessee and Kentucky. 

Battle of Island Number Ten

• 
  Date: Feb 28-April 8, 1862
  
• Location: New Madrid, Missouri
• Confederate Generals: John P. McCown, William W. Mackall
• Union Generals: John Pope, Andrew H. Foote
• Confederate Force: 7,000 (30 killed)
• Union Force: 23,000 (23 killed)
• Outcome: Union victory
• Significance: This was a key battle fought for the control of the Mississippi River. The Union army felt they could control the war if they could control the Mississippi River as a key means to supply lines. The Island Number Ten was a key location along the river where the Confederates were able to repel countless Union movements. Union General John Pope was able to first lay siege to the town of New Madrid which caused the Confederates to flee to the Island Number Ten. From there the Unions coordinated a gunboat squadron to surround the island and cause the Confederates to surrender. 

Battle of Pea Ridge

• Date: March 7-8, 1862
• 
  Location: Leetown, Arkansas
  
• Confederate Generals: Earl Van Dorn, Sterling Price, Benjamin McCulloch, Albert Pike 
• Union Generals: Samuel Curtis, Franz Siegel  
• Confederate Force: 16,500 (2000 casualties)
• Union Force: 10,500 (203 killed)
• Outcome: Union victory
• Significance: In the Western theatre, Union General Samuel Curtis moved his army southward from Missouri to Arkansas to engage the Confederate forces at Leetown. The battle raged on for 2 days and resulted in a victory for the Union Army. It was one of the few battles in the war where the Confederates outnumbered the Union Army. The battle also resulted in the death of the Confederate General from Texas, Benjamin McCulloch. 

Battle of Shiloh

• Date: April 6-7, 1862
• 
  Location: Hardin County, Tennessee
  
• Confederate Generals: Albert Sydney Johnston, P.G.T. Beauregard 
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, Don Carlos Buell
• Confederate Force: 40,335 (1,728 killed)
• Union Force: 62,000 (1,754 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: From their southern base of Corinth, MS Confederate General launched an attack on Ulysses S. Grant's army at Hardin County, TN. The fight was fought in the swampy forests and favored the Confederates at the onset until the fatal shot of their general Albert Sydney Johnston. The next morning Union General Buell led a counterattack on the Confederates driving them back into Mississippi. It was a very bloody battle on both sides. 

Battle of Fort Jackson and St. Philip

• Date: April 18-24, 1862
• 
  Location: Southern Coast of New Orleans, Louisiana 
  
• Confederate Generals: Johnson K. Duncan
• Union Generals: David G. Farragut
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: While the Union Army had sustained a solid hold of the Mississippi River along Tennessee and Missouri, they felt an attack on New Orleans would best be launched from the Gulf Coast. This was the Confederate's largest city and a key location for seaport control. President Lincoln himself coordinated the attack, under the leadership of Admiral Farragut with a squadron of gunboats. The Union navy bombarded the key Confederate forts of Jackson and St. Philip and from there were able to easily capture the city of New Orleans. 

Siege of Corinth

• 
  Date: April 29-May 30, 1862
  
• Location: Corinth, Mississippi
• Confederate Generals: P.G.T Beauregard, Braxton Bragg, Earl Van Dorn
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, Don Carlos Buell, John Pope
• Confederate Force: 65,000
• Union Force: 120,000
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: After their victory at the Battle of Shiloh, Gen Grant marched his soldiers southward towards the Confederate stronghold of Corinth. The Union lay siege to the town of Corinth for a month until finally the Confederate army was forced to withdraw. Despite their defeat the battle is often remembered by Beauregard's bombardment decoy which allowed his army to escape.  

First Battle of Winchester

• Date: May 25, 1862
• 
  Location: Winchester, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Stonewall Jackson
• Union Generals: Nathaniel P. Banks
• Confederate Force: 16,000 (68 killed)
• Union Force: 6,500 (62 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate victory
• Significance: In March of 1862 Stonewall Jackson lead a campaign thru the Shenandoah Valley with rapid speed and won several minor battles. One of his greatest victories of this campaign was at the Battle of Winchester, in which he drove the Union Army across the Potomac River and into Maryland. This was a much needed victory for the Confederacy. They were able to repel the Union's offense on Richmond and drive them back to defend Washington DC. 

Battle of Gaines Mill

• 
  Date: June 27, 1862
  
• Location: Hanover County, Virginia (Near Richmond)
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee
• Union Generals: George McClellan
• Confederate Force: 57,018 (1,483 killed)
• Union Force: 34,214 (1,005 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: This was a decisive battle for the Confederacy that brought an end to the Union Army's invasion of Richmond. This was the first major victory for General Robert E. Lee and brought him instant fame and glory as the defender of Richmond. Lee would have preferred to make pursuit at the fleeing Union Army but could not due to the delay of Stonewall Jackson. 

Battle of Malvern Hill

• Date: July 1, 1862
• 
  Location: Henrico County, Virginia (Near Richmond)
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee
• Union Generals: George McClellan, Fitz John Porter
• Confederate Force: 55,000 (5,650 casualties)
• Union Force: 54,000 (3,000 casualties)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: After successfully defending Richmond, General Lee finally organized a counterattack against McClellan's Union Army. However the Union had found an advantageous position on top the Malvern Hill and were able to repel Lee's advance. While the Union was able to win the battle, they realized they were too weak to move forward and decided to regroup. This marked the end to the Seven Days Battles of the Pennsylvania Campaign and both sides were able to regroup for a bit. 

Second Battle of Bull Run

• 
  Date: August 28-30, 1862
  
• Location: Prince William County, Virginia (Near Manassas)
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, James Longstreet
• Union Generals: John Pope
• Confederate Force: 50,000 (1,096 killed)
• Union Force: 77,000 (1,747 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: In mid July General Lee waged the Northern Virginia Campaign to recapture key territories. The culmination of this offensive was at the Second Battle of Bull Run (also referred to as Manassas). This battle was much larger and bloodier than the first one. Gen Lee was joined by his two best commanders Stonewall Jackson and James Longstreet. Despite some reluctance, Gen Longstreet lead one of the largest assaults yet of 25,000 men to win the field.  

Battle of Antietam

• 
  Date: September 17, 1862
  
• Location: Washington County (near Sharpsburg, Maryland)
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, 
• Union Generals: George McClellan, Ambrose Burnside
• Confederate Force: 38,000 (1,567 killed)
• Union Force: 87,164 (2,108 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: After succeeding with his Northern Virginia Campaign, Gen Lee initiated an offensive into Maryland in September. This campaign came to it's climax at the Antietam Creek which notoriously would become the bloodiest single day of the war (with nearly 23,000 causalities). Although heavily outnumbered General Lee's forces were able to drive the Union Army back into a stalemate. While the battle was somewhat inconclusive the Union army was ultimately successful in repelling the attack. President Lincoln was very upset over McClellan's cautious tactics and that he had not taken advantage of Lee's fewer numbers. After his battle he decided to relieve McClellan and replace him with Gen Burnside. The battle was most significant in that it gave Lincoln a chance to issue his Emancipation Proclamation. While this was a landmark for abolishing slavery, it was also a major diplomatic move to dissuade France and Britain from supporting the South. 

Battle of Perryville

• 
  Date: October 8, 1862
  
• Location: Perryville, Kentucky
• Confederate Generals: Braxton Bragg
• Union Generals: Don Carlos Buell, George Henry Thomas
• Confederate Force: 16,000 (510 killed)
• Union Force: 55,000 (845 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: In the Western theatre of the war, Confederate general Braxton Bragg had initiated an offensive known as the Confederate Heartland Campaign. The primary goal of this offensive was for the control of the border state, Kentucky. Both armies converged near the Chaplin river and there was fierce fighting. The result was rather indecisive, however the Confederate army withdrew from their attack. It was one of the bloodiest battles fought in Kentucky. 

Battle of Fredericksburg

• Date: December 11-15, 1862
• 
  Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia 
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, James Longstreet
• Union Generals: Ambrose Burnside, George Meade, Winfield Hancock
• Confederate Force: 78,513 (608 killed)
• Union Force: 122,009 (1,284 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: Having replaced McClellan as the lead general, Ambrose Burnside was eager to demonstrate his offensive side. He thus lead another campaign on the Confederate capital of Richmond, hoping to beat Lee's army to the city. Burnside's Union Army was however delayed in crossing the Rappahannock River, which allowed Lee to organize his defense of Fredericksburg. Despite Burnside's stubborn persistence ordering various waves of assault, the Union Army was unable to break through the Confederates defensive lines. After nearly 5 days of battle Burnside decided to withdraw his attack having been dealt far greater causalities then the Confederacy.  

Battle of Stones River

• Date: December 31 1862 -January 2nd, 1863
• 
  Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  
• Confederate Generals: Braxton Bragg, Leonidas Polk, William Hardee, Joseph Wheeler
• Union Generals: William Rosecrans, Alexander McCook, Philip Sheridan
• Confederate Force: 35,000 (1,294 killed)
• Union Force: 43,400 (1,677 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: The Union army marched southward from Nashville led by General William Rosecrans to attack the Confederate stronghold at Murfreesboro, Tennessee under the command of Braxton Bragg. It was yet another bloody battle in the heartland region with high causalities on both sides. The Confederates were able to drive back the Union's advances on Dec 31st however a couple days later they were pushed back by the Union Army. On Jan 2nd, Braxton Bragg was under the impression that Rosecrans had more reinforcements arriving and ordered his army to retreat further south to Tullahoma, Tennessee. This was a much needed Union Victory after the devastating loss at Fredericksburg.

Battle of Chancellorsville

• Date: April 30-May 6, 1863
• Location: Spotsylvania County, Virginia (Near Fredricksburg) 
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart
• Union Generals: Joseph Hooker
• Confederate Force: 60,298 (1,665 killed)
• Union Force: 133, 868 (1,606 killed)
  
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: It is considered one of the Confederate's greatest victories and General Lee's most brilliant tactical battles. President Lincoln once again replaced his lead general from Burnside to Joseph Hooker, with an intent to once again invade Richmond. Joseph Hooker's large force advanced across the Rappahannock River and came upon Lee's force in a pincer movement (attacking the front and rear of Lee's army). General Lee then made one of the most risky tactical moves of his career by splitting his army into two facing overwhelming odds on both sides. Hooker was intimidated by this decision and changed his tactics from an offensive to a defensive stance. Gen Lee then divided his army even further by having Stonewall Jackson attack the flank of the Union Army. While Stonewall Jackson's assault was successful later that night on a scouting report he was shot by friendly fire. On May 3rd Lee launched multiple attacks against the Union defensive line. It was the 2nd bloodiest day of the war (after Antietam) and resulted in Hooker dropping further back. The battle broke out into three simultaneous fronts, at the forests of Chancellorsville, at the city of Fredericksburg, and at the Salem House Church. Union General John Sedgwick was able to capture Fredericksburg on May 3rd at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. Meanwhile Robert E. Lee decided to move his army away from Chancellorsville and onto Fredericksburg to reclaim the town from Sedgwick. On May 4th General Lee was successful at driving Sedgwick's army out of Fredericksburg at the Battle of Salem Church.  The following day General Lee returned to face Hooker in the fields of Chancellorsville, but Hooker decided to withdraw his army. It was a monumental victory for the Confederate Army, however came at a devastating loss when Stonewall Jackson died a few days later due to pneumonia. 

Siege of Vicksburg

• Date: May 18-July 4 1863
• 
  Location: Warren County, Mississippi
  
• Confederate Generals: John C. Pemberton
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, William Sherman
• Confederate Force: 33,000 (3,202 killed)
• Union Force: 77,000 (766 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: During the Vicksburg Campaign, General Grant and William Sherman came at the key city of Vicksburg from different directions. This was the final Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi river, and a key access point to controlling the river. Marching from Jackson, MS, Grant's army defeated Pemberton's Confederates at the Battle of Champion Hill. Grant then joined up with Sherman to assault the city of Vicksburg, however the attacks were well defended. The union then began a drawn out series of bombardments, laying siege to the city for nearly 40 days. Simultaneously Union Gen Nathaniel Banks successfully laid siege to Port Hudson in Lousiana. The Confederates eventually ran out of supplies and surrendered both key forts along the Mississippi River.  This brought a successful end to the Union's Anaconda Plan to completely blockade the Confederate from the waters. It was a major turning point in the Western theatre and alongside Gettysburg began the end of the Confederacy. 

Battle of Gettysburg

• Date: July 1-3, 1863
• Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, J.E.B. Stuart
• Union Generals: George G. Meade, Winfield Hancock, John F. Reynolds
• Confederate Force: 75,000 (3,903 killed)
• 
  Union Force: 104,256 (3,155 killed)
  
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: Despite the loss of Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate morale was very high after their victory at Chancellorsville. Gen Robert E. Lee initiated a 2nd invasion of the north along the Shenandoah Valley and up towards Pennsylvania. Union Gen Hooker pursued Lee's army until both took position at Gettysburg. Shortly before the engagement President Lincoln relieved Hooker and replaced him with George G. Meade. On the first day of the battle, Union General John Buford positioned his men at the outer ridge of the city to defend the Confederate assaults. The Confederate assault was fierce and drove the Union back to the hills at the south of the town. On the second day of fighting the Union has established a strong line with a fish-hook and had the advantageous position uphill. Gen Lee concentrated most of his assaults at the Union's left flank which lead to some bloody fighting in the rocks and forests of Devi's Den and Little Round Top. It was here that Colonel Joshua Lawrence, commander of the Maine Regiment, led a glorious bayonet charge against the Confederates. After a day of bloody fighting, the Union still held it's defensive position. On the 3rd day, Gen Lee decided to attack the center, believing the Union would have most of it's strength at it's flanks. It was here at Cemetery Ridge where the iconic Picket's Charge took place, which sent 12,500 Confederate infantry soldiers up the middle. While courageous, the charge took place over nearly a mile of open-field and the Confederate soldiers were sitting ducks to the Union rifles and artillery. The Union were once again able to repel the attack which caused Gen Lee to withdraw his army from the battlefield. It was the bloodiest battle of the war resulting in over 51,000 causalities and 7,000 fatalities. It led to Lincoln's most famous speech, a few months later where he honored the fallen in his Gettysburg Address. This battle alongside the Siege of Vicksburg were major defeats for the Confederacy and essentially marked their downfall.    

Battle of Chickamauga

• 
  Date: September 18-20, 1863
  
• Location: Chickamauga, Georgia (Near Chattanooga, TN)
• Confederate Generals: Braxton Bragg
• Union Generals: William Rosecrans
• Confederate Force: 65,000 (2,312 killed)
• Union Force: 60,000 (1,857 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: Following his successful victories in Kentucky and Tennessee, Union general William Rosecrans continued his army further south to engage the Confederates in Georgia. Gen Braxton was also moving his army on an offensive eager to recapture Chattanooga. Both armies engaged along the Chickamauga Creek in fierce fighting and heavy causalities. On the third day of fighting Gen Rosecrans mistakenly repositioned his army to strengthen a perceived gap while in doing-so created an actual gap. Gen Longstreet was able to take advantage of this gap and drive the Union soldiers off the field. The Union army was forced to retreat back to Chattanooga where they would face off again at the Battle of Lookout Mountain. This was the 2nd bloodiest battle of the war. 

Battle of Lookout Mountain

• 
  Date: November 24, 1863
  
• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Confederate Generals: Carter L. Stevenson
• Union Generals: Joseph Hooker 
• Confederate Force: 8,726 (200 killed)
• Union Force: 12,000 (89 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: Following the Union's retreat from the bloody Battle of Chickamauga, the Confederates lay siege to Chattanooga. The Union responded by coordinated two attacks against the Confederate positions. Gen Hooker lead an assault on Lookout Mountain, while Gen Ulysses Grant led an assault on the Confederate's left flank at Missionary Ridge. Gen Hooker's men were able to take control of the strategic mountain. The next day his army joined Gen Grant's at the Battle of Missionary Ridge.

Battle of Missionary Ridge

• Date: November 25, 1863
• Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
• 
  Confederate Generals: Braxton Bragg
  
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, William Sherman, George Henry Thomas, Joseph Hooker
• Confederate Force: 44,100 (361 killed)
• Union Force: 56,359 (753 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: After the Union's victory of Lookout Mountain, Gen Grant coordinated an attack on the strategic Missionary Ridge on the outskirts of Chattanooga. The fighting was fierce on both sides and the Confederacy was able to hold their lines, until they were flanked from behind by Gen Hooker's army arriving from Lookout Mountain. This marked an end to the Chattanooga Campaign and the Confederacy army was forced to retreat back into Georgia.  

Battle of Mansfield

• Date: April 8, 1864
• Location: DeSoto Parish, Louisiana (Near Shreveport)
• 
  Confederate Generals: Nathaniel Banks
  
• Union Generals: Dick Taylor
• Confederate Force: 9,000 (1,000 casualties)
• Union Force: 20,000 (2,235 causalities; 113 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: In the spring of 1864 Union General Nathaniel Banks led the Red River Campaign to capture key areas along the Red River Valley. One of the objectives of this campaign was to capture the capital city of Louisiana, Shreveport. However the Confederates made a strong stand under General Dick Taylor at the small town of Mansfield. They were able to easily drive the Union Army back. The next day the Confederate army led a counter-assault at the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Causalities were high on both sides and the Union Army was able to repel the attack and then continued their retreat. This essentially ended Nathaniel Banks' Red River Campaign.  

Battle of the Wilderness

• Date: May 5-7, 1864
• 
  Location: Spotsylvania County, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, J.E.B Stuart
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade, Ambrose E. Burnside
• Confederate Force: 66,140 (1,477 killed)
• Union Force: 118,700 (2,246 killed)
• Outcome: Stalemate
• Significance: Union Gen Grant began his Overland Campaign at the start of May, 1864 to attack the Confederate's stronghold of Virginia. The campaign began with another bloody battle once again in the Spotsylvania County of Virginia. This battle took place in a region referred to as the Wilderness about 20 miles west of Fredericksburg. The battle took place in dense forests and consisted of heavy causalities on both sides. At one point Confederate Gen Longstreet lead a promising push, but this was halted when he was wounded in battle. After two days of fighting Gen Grant decided to disengage his army from the forests and continue their advance thru Virginia. This battle was ultimately an inconclusive one, however the Union were still on the front foot. 

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

• 
  Date: May 9-21, 1864
  
• Location: Spotsylvania County, Virginia
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade
• Confederate Force: 63,000 (1,515 killed)
• Union Force: 115,400 (2,725 killed)
• Outcome: Stalemate
• Significance: Continuing with his offensive Overland Campaign, Gen Grant repositioned his army at the Courthouse of Spotsylvania. Once again Gen Lee pursed and engaged them and both sides held their ground for a couple weeks. It was yet another very bloody battle that ended in an inconclusive stalemate. Both sides declared victory despite their heavy losses, and Grant once again persisted with his campaign to take Virginia. 

Battle of Cold Harbor

• 
  Date: May 31-June 12, 1864
  
• Location: Hanover County (Near Mechanicsville, Virginia)
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade
• Confederate Force: 62,000 (788 killed)
• Union Force: 117,000 (1,845 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: Following several more inconclusive engagements such as the Battle of North Anna, Gen Grant marched his men towards Richmond. Gen Lee positioned his men in a 7 mile long fortified line at the north of Richmond near a town called Mechanicsville. The fighting once again raged on back-and-forth for several days with many casualties. However this time the Confederates had the better position and the toll was much greater for the Union army. This brought an end to Gen Grant's overland campaign of Virginia, and he eventually moved his army to lay siege to Petersburg (an engagement that lasted nearly a year). This was the final major victory for Gen Lee and the Confederate army. 

Second Battle of Petersburg

• Date: June 15-18, 1864
• 
  Location: Petersburg, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, P.G.T Beauregard 
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade
• Confederate Force: 38,000 (200 killed)
• Union Force: 62,000 (1,688 killed)
• Outcome: Stalemate
• Significance: Following their defeat at the Battle of Cold Harbor, Gen Grant swung his army to the south of Richmond and began his year long siege of Petersburg. While the Union Army had the element of surprise, the Confederate army led by P.G.T Beauregard had the better positioning. The Confederates were able to defend the Union assaults, and the battle ended in a stalemate. However from here on, both sides built trenches which began a yearlong Siege of Petersburg. 

Battle of Atlanta

• 
  Date: July 22, 1864
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  
• Confederate Generals: John Bell Hood, William J. Hardee
• Union Generals: William T. Sherman, James B. McPherson
• Confederate Force: 40,438 (1000 killed)
• Union Force: 34,863 (3,640 causalities)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: While Gen Grant went on an all out offense in northern Virginia, Union General William Sherman took on the south. His campaign known as Sherman's March to the Sea, has been one of the most controversial of the Union campaigns. It all began with his victorious Battle of Atlanta where he was easily able to overwhelm the Confederates. However Union General James McPherson was shot and killed at this battle. From here on Sherman lead a vicious campaign to the sea, scorching the earth as his army marched along thru Georgia.  

Battle of the Crater

• Date: July 30, 1864
• 
  Location: Petersburg, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, William Mahone
• Union Generals: Ambrose Burnside, James H. Ledlie
• Confederate Force: 6,100 (361 killed)
• Union Force: 8,500 (504 killed)
• Outcome: Confederate Victory
• Significance: Although it was a small battle on scale compared to most, it is well known as one of the most famous battles of the war. This was due to an offensive plan gone terrible wrong for the Union Army. Gen Burnside had his men build a mine underground to plant explosives at the Confederates position. When the explosives went off, they created a massive crater in the grounds, and as the Union Army charged, they trapped themselves in this big hole in the ground. With the upper position the Confederate line was able to rain bullets upon the trapped Union soldiers. Following this humiliating defeat Gen Burnside was completely relieved of his command. 

Battle of Mobile Bay

• Date: August 2-23, 1864
• 
  Location: Mobile Bay, Alabama
  
• Confederate Generals: Franklin Buchanan, Richard L. Page
• Union Generals: David Farragut, Gordon Granger
• Confederate Force: 1500 men
• Union Force: 5,500 men
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: It was one of the largest naval assaults in the War, and famous for Admiral Farragut's courage. Farragut led his gun-boat navy thru a field of mines and confronted the Confederate's  ironclad warship known as the Tennessee. Once the Union Navy was able to defeat the Confederate navy, they were easily able to take the forts. This was a very decisive victory in controlling the Gulf of Mexico and brought favor to President Lincoln as he approached his reelection.

Battle of Opequon

• Date: September 19, 1864
• 
  Location: Winchester, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Jubal Early, John Breckenridge, Fitzhugh Lee
• Union Generals: Philip Sheridan, Horatio Wright, William H. Emory, George Crook
• Confederate Force: 15,514 (4,015 causalities)
• Union Force: 40,000 (5018 causalities)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: In conjuction with Grant's Overland Campaign and Sherman's southern March to the Sea, Union Generaly Philip Sheridan led a campaign thru the Shenandoah valley on western Virginia. One of the key decisive battles of this campaign took place along the Opequon Creek near Winchester. The Union army made various assaults upon the Confederates and after heavy causalities on both sides, they were able to drive the Confederates out of Winchester. A few days later Sheridan caught up with the retreating Confederates at the Battle of Fisher's Hill to push them even further back. 

Battle of Cedar Creek

• 
  Date: October 19, 1864
  
• Location: Warren County (Near Winchester Virginia)
• Confederate Generals: Jubal Early
• Union Generals: Philip Sheridan
• Confederate Force: 21,102 (320 killed)
• Union Force: 31,610 (644 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: As Union General Philip Sheridan continued his offensive thru the Shenandoh Valley, Confederate General launched a surprise assault. This occurred early in the morning in heavy fog while many of the Union soldiers were still asleep. The Confederates made significant gains and took on prisoners, and it appeared they had won the battle. However as the Union army began to retreat Gen Sheridan arrived from Washington and took charge of the battlefield. He reorganized his army and launched a counterattack in the evening to repel their advances. This was a decisive blow to the Confederate army positioned in the Shenandoah Valley. 

Battle of Franklin

• 
  Date: November 30, 1864
• Location: Franklin, Tennessee
  
• Confederate Generals: John Bell Hood, Patrick Cleburne
• Union Generals: John Schofield, David Stanley
• Confederate Force: 27,000 (1,750 killed)
• Union Force: 27,000 (189 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This was part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign led by Union General John Schofield. It was also regarded as one the most lopsided defeats for the Confederate army on par with their failed Picket's Charge at Gettysburg. The Confederates led various assaults against the Union line and were slaughtered. While this was actually the 2nd battle to occur in Franklin, Tennessee, it was much more significant then the first minor skirmish that occurred in 1863. The Confederate army was once again forced to retreat to Nashville. 

Battle of Nashville

• Date: December 15-16, 1864
• 
  Location: Nashville, TN
  
• Confederate Generals: John Bell Hood
• Union Generals: George H. Thomas
• Confederate Force: 22,000-30,000 (1,500 killed)
• Union Force: 55,000 (387 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This was the decisive battle in General Shofield's Nashville Campaign. Having secured victory at the Battle of Franklin Union General George H. Thomas marched against the Confederate army led by John Bell Hood. Just like it's previous battle it was once again a very one-sided affair with far greater causalities for the Confederates. This marked the end of the Confederate's resistance in Tennessee.  

Second Battle of Fort Fischer

• Date: January 13-15, 1865
• 
  Location: New Hanover County (Near Wilmington, North Carolina)
• Confederate Generals: Braxton Bragg
  
• Union Generals: Alfred Terry, David Porter
• Confederate Force: 8,000 (583 killed)
• Union Force: 9,632 (199 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This was the last major sea battle of the Civil War, and the final Confederate seaport. The Confederates were highly outnumbered to the Union's navy force which made for another one sided battle. This defeat for the Confederates cut their supply lines from Virginia and the south. Many in the north felt this was the final nail in the Confederate's coffin. 

Battle of Fort Stedman

• Date: March 25, 1865
• Location: Petersburg, Virginia
• 
  Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, John B. Gordon
• Union Generals: John G. Parke
• Confederate Force: 10,000 (600 killed)
  
• Union Force: 14,898 (72 killed)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This was the last major offensive by the Confederates during the Siege of Petersburg. Gen Lee had hoped to break the Union line with this assault led by Gen John B. Gordon. However the Confederate attack was repelled and furthermore their lines were weakened. From here the Union army were able to lead a counterattack at the Third Battle of Petersburg, which essentially brought an end to the war. This battle was Lee's final hope at turning the tide of the war.    

Battle of Five Forks

• 
  Date: April 1, 1865
  
• Location: Dinwiddie County, Virginia (Near Petersburg, Georgia)
• Confederate Generals: George Pickett
• Union Generals: William T. Sherman
• Confederate Force: 10,600 (2,950 causalities)
• Union Force: 22,000 (830 causalities)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This was fought over a key railroad on the west of Petersburg, which served as the Confederate's main supply line. As the siege of Petersburg had gone on for nearly a year, Union General William T. Sherman rained fire upon George Picket. Gen Lee commanded Picket to hold the position at all costs, since it was their final chance at defending Petersburg. However the Union army had far greater numbers and resources and were easily able to crush Picket's army. The Union were able to take control of this railroad which eventually bled the Confederate's out of Petersburg, and onto their final retreat of the war. 

Third Battle of Petersburg

• Date: April 2, 1865
• 
  Location: Petersburg, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee, A.P. Hill
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade
• Confederate Force: 45,000 (5,000 causalities)
• Union Force: 114,335 (3,936 causalities)
• Outcome: Union Victory
• Significance: This was the decisive battle of Petersburg Campaign in which the Union Army finally broke the Confederate lines to end the year-long siege. Following their victories at the Battles of Stedman and Five Forks, the Confederate line had become very weak at it's right flank. The Confederate line was able to hold long enough to allow a full retreat of Richmond. By the next day however the lines were broken and the Union army marched into the Confederate capital of Richmond. This essentially ended the war and a few days later the Union army surrounded Lee's remaining army at Appomattox. 

Battle of Appomattox Court House

• Date: April 9, 1865
• 
  Location: Appomattox County, Virginia
  
• Confederate Generals: Robert E. Lee
• Union Generals: Ulysses S. Grant, George G. Meade, Philip Sheridan
• Confederate Force: 26,000 (195 killed) 
• Union Force: 63,285 (164 killed)
• Outcome: Union victory
• Significance: This was the final battle of the Civil War in which Robert E. Lee's forces were simply surrounded by Union General Grants. After retreating from the Siege of Petersburg, Robert E. Lee had hoped to reunite with southern forces in North Carolina. However his retreat to the south was cutoff by the army of Philip Sheridan. Knowing that Gen Grant was pursing them, Lee launched one final assault at Sheridan's front line. However the attack was easily repelled and Lee had no choice but to surrender. The documents of surrender were drawn up and Gen Grant accepted Lee's surrender. This brought an end to the Army of Virginia, which triggered the surrender of other smaller Confederate armies in the south. The Civil War had finally come to an end.