The Penisula Campaign (Flashcards)

Eastern Theater (Civil War)

The main war front between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia, marked by major battles like First Bull Run and Gettysburg; received most public attention but often stalled due to strong Confederate leadership.

Western Theater (Civil War)

The war front between the Appalachians and the Mississippi River; strategically decisive because Union victories here split the Confederacy and secured vital rivers and railroads.

George B. McClellan

Cautious Union general who led the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign; overestimated enemy strength and failed to capture Richmond.

Joseph E. Johnston

Confederate general who commanded early defenses of Richmond and coordinated with Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley before being wounded at Seven Pines.

Valley Campaign (1862)

Confederate campaign led by Stonewall Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley that tied down Union troops and prevented reinforcements from reaching McClellan.

Seven Days’ Battles (1862)

Series of Confederate attacks led by Robert E. Lee that forced McClellan to retreat from Richmond, saving the Confederate capital.

Robert E. Lee

Commanding general of the Army of Northern Virginia from 1862–1865; won major victories but ultimately surrendered to Grant at Appomattox.

Second Manassas (1862)

Major Confederate victory under Robert E. Lee that defeated Union General John Pope and cleared the way for Lee’s invasion of Maryland.

Battle of Corinth (1862)

Union victory in Mississippi that protected key railroad lines and secured Union control in West Tennessee.

Battle of Perryville (1862)

Tactical Confederate victory but strategic Union success that ended the Confederate invasion of Kentucky.

Heartland Offensive (1862)

Confederate invasion of Kentucky led by Braxton Bragg that failed to bring the state into the Confederacy.

Don Carlos Buell

Union general who reinforced Grant at Shiloh and fought at Perryville; criticized for being overly cautious and relieved of command.