Which civil war battle is considered the greatest battle fought in the westeren hemisphere?

Answer 1

My sense is that calling one of the battles of the U.S. Civil war "the greatest battle fought in the westeren hemisphere" is more opinion than an agreed upon fact from a group of scholars.

My sense is that the common answer would be Gettysburg, as that is the battle we remember clearest and the one that Abraham Lincoln so succinctly marked with his famous address.

However, there are many other battles that, depending on one's requirements for being named "the greatest" could challenge Gettysburg for the title.

Bull Run was one of the largest routs of the Civil War, as the Union used a strategic terrain advantage and cavalry against the Confederate forces.

Antietam was another bloody battle in which both sides won, to some extent. General Lee of the Confederates was able to tactically position his troops to fight the Union forces to a stand still, while the Union, despite having ample forces in reserve, committed only enough to force both sides into retreat. Though Lee's invasion was halted, the Union forces suffered greater losses.

Three final battles that could be given consideration are Chickamauga, Wilderness, and Shiloh. All three featured featured now famous and tactically sound commanding officers and were either major victories for one side or the other; or in the case of Wilderness, were fought so well by both sides that neither side could claim victory. The U.S. Civil War is extremely interesting and I would suggest you pick a few of the battles to study for yourself. I know that doesn't really answer your question, but if I were forced to make a choice, I would say Gettysburg.

Answer 2

Gettysburg-answer found in "The Civil War" Author Jeffery Ward with Ric Burns and Ken Burns pg 178