All Hell Can't Stop Them: The Battles for Chattanooga-Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, November 24-27, 1863

On November 25, 1863, the Union Army of the Cumberland attacked Lookout Mountain, ending the battle to relieve Chattanooga. However, Ulysses S. Grant's greatest fear was that the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by Braxton Braggs, would slip away before he could deliver the final blows to crush them. Despite Grants's most successful and carefully planned battle, his strategy failed, and victory charged straight up the seemingly impregnable slopes of Missionary Ridge. Grants's most trusted commander, Sherman, was also defeated.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2019
Publisher: Savas Beatie

To many of the Federal soldiers watching the Stars and Stripes unfurl atop Lookout Mountain on the morning of November 25, 1863, it seemed that the battle to relieve Chattanooga was complete. The Union Army of the Cumberland was no longer trapped in the city, subsisting on short rations and awaiting rescue; instead, they were again on the attack. Ulysses S. Grant did not share their certainty. For Grant, the job he had been sent to accomplish was only half-finished. Braxton Braggs Confederate Army of Tennessee still held Missionary Ridge, with other Rebels under James Longstreet threatening more Federals in Knoxville, Tennessee. Grants greatest fear was that the Rebels would slip away before he could deliver the final blows necessary to crush Bragg completely. That blow landed on the afternoon of November 25. Each of Grants assembled forces—troops led by Union Generals William T. Sherman, George H. Thomas, and Joseph Hooker—all moved to the attack. Stubbornly, Bragg refused to retreat, and instead accepted battle. That decision would cost him dearly. But everything did not go Grants way. Despite what Grants many admirers would later insist was his most successful, most carefully planned battle, Grants strategy failed him—as did his most trusted commander, Sherman. Victory instead charged straight up the seemingly impregnable slopes of Missionary Ridges western face, as the men of the much-maligned Army of the Cumberland swarmed up and over Braggs defenses in an irresistible blue tide. Caught flat-footed by this impetuous charge, Grant could only watch nervously as the men started up the steep, rocky slopes of Missionary Ridge. All Hell Cant Stop Them: The Battles for Chattanooga—Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, November 24-27, 1863—sequel to Battle Above the Clouds—details the dramatic final actions of the battles for Chattanooga.

The Union Army of the Cumberland, under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, had successfully relieved Chattanooga and was now on the offensive. However, Grant was not entirely confident that the battle was over. The Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by Braxton Braggs, still held Missionary Ridge, and other Confederate forces under James Longstreet were threatening Knoxville, Tennessee. Grant feared that the Rebels would escape before he could deliver the final blows necessary to crush Bragg completely. On the afternoon of November 25, 1863, Grants assembled forces launched a massive attack on Missionary Ridge. The Union troops, led by Union Generals William T. Sherman, George H. Thomas, and Joseph Hooker, advanced stubbornly against Braggs forces, who refused to retreat. Despite Grants careful planning and his most trusted commander, Sherman, the attack failed. The Confederate Army held its ground, and the Union troops were unable to break through their defenses. However, the situation changed when the Union Army of the Cumberland launched a surprise charge up the steep, rocky slopes of Missionary Ridge. The men of the Army of the Cumberland, often maligned for their poor performance, surged forward in an irresistible blue tide. Caught flat-footed by this unexpected charge, the Confederate Army was unable to hold its position, and the Union troops quickly overran their defenses. The victory at Missionary Ridge was a significant turning point in the Civil War. It marked the first time that the Union Army had successfully attacked a fortified position held by the Confederate Army, and it dealt a significant blow to Braggs confidence. The battle also demonstrated the effectiveness of Union generals such as Sherman and Hooker, who were able to adapt their strategies to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. However, the victory at Missionary Ridge was not without its cost. The Union Army suffered heavy casualties, and many of its soldiers were injured or killed in the intense fighting. The battle also marked the beginning of a long and grueling campaign for control of Chattanooga, which would continue for several months. In conclusion, the Battles for Chattanooga—Missionary Ridge and Ringgold, November 24-27, 1863—were a significant turning point in the Civil War. The Union Army of the Cumberland, under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, successfully relieved Chattanooga and launched a surprise attack on Missionary Ridge. Despite facing heavy resistance from the Confederate Army, the Union troops were able to break through their defenses and secure a decisive victory. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Union generals such as Sherman and Hooker and the resilience of the Union Army. However, the victory was not without its cost, and the campaign for control of Chattanooga would continue for several months.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611214130