Thesis Statement: Although Stones River Banle was a tactical draw, General Braxton Bragg's failure to fully exploit Clausewitz' Principle of Offensive on the night of December 31. 1862 gave the Union a much needed strategic and political victory. Discussion. While historically the Stones River Baltic often is declared a tactical draw, it left the Union forces in control of northeastern Tennessee and should therefore be regarded as a strategic victory. Although both the Union and Confederate forces claimed victory, the Union held the field. In addition, the Union should reap the fame of overall strategic Success. However, to understand the true importance of the battle, one must first gain some historical perspective through battle analysis. Counter Point: Although the Union army retained a strategic advantage at Stones River. The significant losses incurred by the Union forces and General Rosecrans' deliberate reconstitution and re-organization of his Army resulted in their delayed pursuit or the withdrawing Confederates and a tactical draw on the battlefield.

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