Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:17:50-1:19:19

Did Grant's camp gamble depend on Johnston?

The argument that Grant invited an attack depends on Johnston's aggression and his need to fight before the Union armies combined.

Albert Sidney JohnstonBattle Of ShilohField FortificationsMilitary DoctrineUlysses S Grant
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Question

Did Grant's decision not to entrench depend on whether Johnston, rather than a different general, would attack?

Short answer

Yes, in this interpretation. Johnston's aggression and worsening numerical position made an early attack especially likely.

Notes

The proposed explanation for Grant's camp depended on the commander facing him. Johnston was capable, confident, and aggressive, while approaching Union reinforcements gave him a reason to attack quickly. With roughly 40,000 men against Grant's approximately 45,000 and another Union army approaching, he needed to defeat the opposing armies separately. In this interpretation, Grant could reasonably expect Johnston to take the risk of attacking.