"Much of Civil War history emphasizes generalship (or the lack of it) as the key factor in analyzing why battles were won or lost. Taking an innovative approach, this book focuses on six elements of victory in nine important Western Theater engagements during 1862--a year when the North had not yet fully mobilized for war. With increasing complexity on the battlefield and the enormous growth of American armies, winning or losing depended upon achieving as many of these six critical goals as possible: a clear objective; mobilization of effective lieutenants; a competent staff; seizing and holding initiative; deploying all available resources; and realizing a successful strategic outcome. The more goals achieved, the greater the victory"-- Provided by publisher.

Mill Springs: Triumph of Professional Leadership -- Forts Henry and Donelson: Combined Arms with Gunboats -- Pea Ridge: Arkansas Travelers -- Opening the Mississippi River -- Shiloh: The War Comes of Age -- Richmond, Kentucky: Kirby Smith Wins for the Confederacy -- Perryville, Kentucky: Strategic Failures for Both Sides -- Corinth: The Confederacy Strikes Back -- Prairie Grove: Arkansas Once More -- Stones River: Fatal Flaws in Confederate Strategy and Leadership -- Reflections on Civil War Leadership.