Which general helped the South win the war's first major battle as well as other big battles, and was accidentally shot by his own troops?
2 Answers
I believe it is General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
Explanation:
He died as a result of being shot by his own soldiers on May 10th, 1863 during the battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia. I'm not sure which constitutes as the South's first major victory. There was the siege at Fort Sumter (though Jackson was not the Confederate general there), which signaled the start of the Civil War when the Union general surrendered, however there were no casualties.
General Thomas Stonewall Jackson.
Explanation:
General Jackson was an instructor in the Virginia Military School. He left teaching to lead a brigade of volunteers in the Civil War.
His group of volunteers defeated a Union force near Berkely Springs West Virginia blocking their advance toward Richmond. Trains then transported Jackson's forces to participate in the first major battle of the war at Manassa Junction or Bull Run.
The Union Army had outflanked and out maneuvered the Confederate forces by crossing at an undefended ford. The Union Army was sweeping the Confederate forces before them. Jackson placed his brigade on Henry's Hill to block the Union Advance. Despite heavy attacks Jackson held the hill earning the nickname Stonewall Jackson, as well as a promotion to major general. Jackson's actions resulted in a Confederate victory and a total rout of the Union Forces.
Jackson fought in 15 major battles in the Civil War. His brilliant tactics in the Shenandoah Valley campaign defeated several Union Armies and earned Jackson lasting fame. HIs flanking attack during the second battle of Bull Run resulted in another major Confederate Victory.
Jackson's last battle was the battle of Chancellorsville. His daring flanking attack destroyed a Union Army twice the size of the Confederate forces. During the pursuit of the retreating Union Army Jackson and his staff came under fire from a Confederate post mortally wounding General Jackson.
Jackson was perhaps the best tactical general of the Confederate army. His death at Chancellorsville left a gap in the leadership of the army of Northern Virginia that was keenly felt at the later battle of Gettysburg.
