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Braxton BraggGeneral of the Confederate Army
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Braxton Bragg
- Early Military Career
- Commander of the Tennessee Army
- Internal Conflicts and Decline
- Post-War Life
Biography of Braxton Bragg
Braxton Bragg was a Confederate Army General who played a significant role in the American Civil War. He was born in 1817 in North Carolina and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1837. Bragg then participated in the Mexican-American War, commanding an artillery battery. After retiring in 1856, he became a plantation owner in Louisiana.
Early Military Career
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Bragg joined the Confederate Army and quickly rose through the ranks. In the beginning of 1862, he was assigned to the Army of Mississippi. Bragg's leadership and bravery during the Battle of Shiloh earned him a promotion to the rank of general and the command of the Western District.
Commander of the Tennessee Army
In late 1862, Bragg led a successful attack on Union forces at Murfreesboro, Kentucky. However, he was unable to capitalize on this victory and was forced to retreat to Georgia. He was then appointed as the commander of the Tennessee Army, which played a crucial role in the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Instead of decisively defeating William Rosecrans' army, Bragg besieged Chattanooga for several months, ultimately leading to the "Grant's Waiting" siege.
Internal Conflicts and Decline
Bragg frequently clashed with his subordinates, including James Longstreet and Simon Buckner, leading them to request his removal from command. However, President Jefferson Davis, who had a close friendship with Bragg, kept him in charge of the besieging army. Despite the internal conflicts, Bragg sent troops to East Tennessee, weakening his own forces and making them susceptible to Union attacks. This ultimately led to the defeat of the Confederate Army.
Post-War Life
After the war, Bragg served as the Chief Engineer of the state of Alabama. He died in 1876, leaving behind a controversial legacy as a military leader. Despite his shortcomings and failures during the Civil War, Bragg's contributions and experiences on the battlefield shaped his role in the conflict.
