Commanders who serve on the losing side of a battle, campaign, or war are often harshly viewed by posterity. Labeled as mere "losers," they go unrecognized for their very real abilities and achievements in other engagements. The writers in this volume challenge such simplistic notions. By looking more closely at Civil War generals who have borne the stigma of failure, these authors reject the reductionist view that significant defeats were due simply to poor generalship. Analyzing men who might be considered "capable failures"--Officers of high prewar reputation, some with distinguished records int eh Civil War--they examine the various reasons these men suffered defeat, whether flaws of character, errors of judgment, lack of preparation, or circumstances beyond their control. These seven case studies consider Confederate and Union generals evenhandedly. They show how Albert Sidney Johnston failed in the face of extreme conditions and inadequate support, how Joe Hooker and John C. Pemberton were outmatched in confrontations with Lee and Grant, how George B. McClellan in the Peninsula Campaign and Don Carlos Buell at Chattanooga faced political as well as military complications, and how Joseph E. Johnston failed to adapt to challenges in Virginia. An additional chapter looks at generals form both sides at the Battle of Gettysburg, showing how failure to adjust to circumstances can thwart even the most seasoned leader's expectations.

When merit was not enough: Albert Sidney Johnston and Confederate defeat in the West, 1862 /Steven E. Woodworth -- "The responsibility is great": Joseph E. Johnston and the war in Virginia / Alan Downs -- Fighting for defeat? George B. McClellan's Peninsula campaign and the change of base to the James River / Ethan S. Rafuse -- Generalship on trial: Don Carlos Buell's campaign to Chattanooga / Stephen D. Engle -- In defense of Fighting Joe Hooker / Stephen W. Sears -- Misused merit: the tragedy of John C. Pemberton / Michael B. Ballard -- "If properly led": command relationships at Gettysburg / Brooks D. Simpson. When merit was not enough : Albert Sidney Johnston and Confederate defeat in the West, 1862 / Steven E. Woodworth -- "The responsibility is great" : Joseph E. Johnston and the war in Virginia / Alan Downs -- Fighting for defeat? George B. McClellan's Peninsula campaign and the change of base to the James River / Ethan S. Rafuse -- Generalship on trial : Don Carlos Buell's campaign to Chattanooga / Stephen D. Engle -- In defense of Fighting Joe Hooker / Stephen W. Sears -- Misused merit : the tragedy of John C. Pemberton / Michael B. Ballard -- "If properly led" : command relationships at Gettysburg / Brooks D. Simpson.