Скачать или смотреть Generals Bragg And Breckinridge Clash during the Conclusion Of The Battle Of Stone's River

The Battle of Stone's River: The Last Day and the Tense Relationship between Generals Bragg and Breckinridge

The Battle of Stone's River, also known as the Battle of Murfreesboro, was one of the significant encounters during the American Civil War. It took place between December 31, 1862, and January 2, 1863, in Tennessee. The clash between the Union Army of the Cumberland, led by Major General William Rosecrans, and the Confederate Army of Tennessee, under General Braxton Bragg, was characterized by intense fighting, high casualties, and strategic maneuvers. The final day of the battle, January 2nd, 1863, marked a critical turning point, heavily influenced by the strained relationship between Generals Bragg and John C. Breckinridge.

General Braxton Bragg, the Confederate commander, was known for his rigid and often abrasive leadership style. He was a stickler for discipline and often clashed with his subordinates. One of his most contentious relationships was with General John C. Breckinridge, a former Vice President of the United States and a prominent figure within the Confederate ranks. Breckinridge was known for his valor and charisma, but his differing views on military strategy and tactics often put him at odds with Bragg.

The tensions between Bragg and Breckinridge came to a head on the final day of the Battle of Stone's River. As the Union forces regrouped and fortified their positions, Bragg ordered Breckinridge to lead a frontal assault on the Union left flank. Breckinridge, understanding the futility and potential high cost of such an attack, strongly protested the order. He believed that the attack would lead to unnecessary bloodshed and would not yield the desired strategic advantage. However, Bragg, unwavering in his decision, insisted on the assault.

The relationship between Bragg and Breckinridge was further strained as Breckinridge reluctantly prepared his division for the attack. The assault took place in the late afternoon of January 2nd. Breckinridge's men, numbering around 4,500, charged across the open field towards the well-entrenched Union positions. Despite their bravery and determination, the Confederate forces faced a devastating barrage of artillery and musket fire from the Union troops. The attack resulted in heavy Confederate casualties and ultimately failed to break the Union lines.

The impact of the failed assault on January 2nd was significant. The Confederate forces were unable to dislodge the Union troops, and the high casualties further demoralized Bragg's army. The failed assault also highlighted the deep-seated discord between Bragg and Breckinridge. Breckinridge, angered and frustrated by the unnecessary loss of his men, openly criticized Bragg's leadership and decision-making. This public display of dissent further eroded the cohesion and morale within the Confederate command structure.

The strained relationship between Bragg and Breckinridge had far-reaching consequences for the Confederate war effort. The lack of unity and cooperation among the Confederate leaders hindered their ability to effectively coordinate and execute military operations. The discord between Bragg and Breckinridge was emblematic of the larger issues within the Confederate high command, where personal rivalries and conflicting egos often took precedence over strategic considerations.
In conclusion, the last day of the Battle of Stone's River on January 2nd, 1863, was marked by a critical and costly assault ordered by General Braxton Bragg and reluctantly executed by General John C. Breckinridge. The tense and fractious relationship between the two generals played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the battle. The failed assault and the ensuing fallout between Bragg and Breckinridge underscored the detrimental impact of personal discord on military operations. The Battle of Stone's River serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation within a military command structure, and how personal conflicts can influence the course of history.
00:00 Introduction
00:31 The Battle of Stones River
04:36 The Assault would go forward
10:48 The Federals Get Hit...Hard
19:26 The Rebels Regroup
25:40 The Butcher's Bill