The American Civil War discussion

I am currently reading through the book "Rebel Yell". I have always been fascinated by the life of Stonewall Jackson. In addition to Stonewall Jackson and the early years of the civil war I have, along with many others, wondered what the war would have been like if Jackson survived the Battle of Chancellorsville. Personally, I do not think that the final outcome of the war would change. However, I do wonder if some of the Union attacks would have differed or not taken place at all because of the reputation that preceded Jackson wherever he went. This is by no means a "The South Will Rise Again" discussion. I am just curious as to the thoughts of other readers and Civil War enthusiasts on this topic.

I think the Confederates would have won Gettysburg if Jackson had survived. Jackson would have taken Culp's Hill immediately on July 1 and the battle would have played out very differently. What would have happened after a Gettysburg incident becomes extremely speculative, I think.

It's tempting to ponder what might have transpired had Jackson been in charge of the Confederate right on day 2 of Gettysburg, but I think such discussions are fruitless. The variables are nearly infinite. Had Jackson lived, there might not have been a fight at Gettysburg.

That's the position I would take concerning this topic. I have heard and read behind several historians regarding this. It certainly seems that Gettysburg would have never happened if Jackson survived. There were still a number of contributing factors that would have ultimately led to the South's demise. It's hard to believe that even a general as skilled as Jackson could overcome all that the rebels were up against.

That's the position I would take concerning this topic. I have heard and read behind several historians regarding this. It certainly seems that Gettysburg would have never happened if Jackson survived. There were still a number of contributing factors that would have ultimately led to the South's demise. It's hard to believe that even a general as skilled as Jackson could overcome all that the rebels were up against.

Sarah wrote: "I think the Confederates would have won Gettysburg if Jackson had survived. Jackson would have taken Culp's Hill immediately on July 1 and the battle would have played out very differently. What wo..."

From what I have read, if Jackson had been alive and taken Culp's Hill on July 1, the Union Army would have been ordered to fall back to the Pipe Creek line, Meade's initial plan for the defense of Washington and Baltimore. Perhaps the fight at Gettysburg would never have occurred, but there would have been a fight somewhere in PA.

Kerry wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I think the Confederates would have won Gettysburg if Jackson had survived. Jackson would have taken Culp's Hill immediately on July 1 and the battle would have played out very differ..."

Agreed, Kerry. And from the reading I've done, the Pipe Creek line was very strong. There could easily have been something immortally called "Jackson's Charge" while Pickett remained in the shadows.

As Robert said, there might not have even been a fight at Gettysburg with Jackson alive.

I think everyone's wondered about Jackson surviving at some point in their CW studies. ;)But he didn't. I believe he said he did not want to survive the war if the South lost.

I've always wondered how he would have responded to post-war politics. Could he have retired quietly like Lee? I think his religious beliefs and genuine care for people would have kept him away from the violent pro-South organizations. Hmm...any thoughts?

Interesting questions, Sarah. In reading "Rebel Yell", I discovered that Jackson was not particularly in favor of secession before April 1861. He may have thought it was God's will for the South to lose if he had lived and maybe, as you say, not taken part in the violent pro-Southern organizations. Maybe I will have a different answer after finishing "Rebel Yell". Anyway, we will never know, we can only speculate.

Kerry wrote: "Interesting questions, Sarah. In reading "Rebel Yell", I discovered that Jackson was not particularly in favor of secession before April 1861. He may have thought it was God's will for the South ..."

Yes, Jackson wasn't in favor of secession and certainly wasn't fighting to keep slavery. He was defending his state from invasion - a concept somewhat hard to understand with the modern interpretation of the Constitution. (I've read quite a bit about Jackson and teach about his life and campaigns at living history events).

I agree that he would have accepted the loss as God's will and moved forward with life. But I wonder what he would have done. Gone back to VMI? (Poor cadets...) Served in government? Moved to Winchester area, like he wrote about wanting to do? It's interesting to see what Confederate commanders who survived did in the post war years, and I venture to guess Jackson would have done something quiet and peaceful.

But of course, all conjecture...