Final answer:
The major battles of the Civil War, including the Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Shiloh, and the Seven Days Battles, were commanded by figures such as Major General George B. McClellan and General Robert E. Lee. Victories and losses in these battles highlighted both sides' strategies and the difficult realities of war, with 1863 becoming a pivotal year due to significant Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, complemented by the Emancipation Proclamation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question centers on major battles of the Civil War, the commanding officers of the Union and Confederate armies during these battles, the outcomes, and their significance.
Battle of Bull Run
One of the pivotal early battles was the First Battle of Bull Run (also known as First Manassas), occurring in July 1861 near Manassas, Virginia. It was significant as it shattered the Union's hope for a swift victory. Although the Union army was initially successful, Confederate reinforcements led to a southern victory, underlining the need for a more protracted war effort.
Battle of Shiloh
The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862 in southwestern Tennessee, proved to be one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The Union Army, led by Major General Ulysses S. Grant, eventually succeeded after a two-day fight, highlighting the brutal nature of Civil War combat and foreshadowing more grim battles to come.
The Seven Days Battles
The Seven Days Battles, a series of six major battles over a seven-day period in 1862, was crucial for the Confederacy as it managed to repel Union forces from Richmond. Major General George B. McClellan led the Union forces, while General Robert E. Lee commanded the Confederate troops. The result was a strategic victory for Lee, who successfully protected the Confederate capital.
The year 1863 marked a turning point in the Civil War, particularly highlighted by the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which significantly weakened the Confederate war effort. July 1863 was especially pivotal because of these key Union successes.
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, also played an instrumental role in changing the character of the war by turning it into a fight against slavery. The participation of African Americans in the Civil War added another layer of complexity and moral gravity to the Union cause.