Norm53
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2019
- Location
- Cape May, NJ
In Wiki's list of CW battles, the author ascribes top significance to this battle (March 26-28, 1862), placing it in the general category of "Class A – Decisive: ... Decisive battles had a direct, observable impact on the direction, duration, conduct, or outcome of the war." (The classes are A, B, C, D.)
But after describing the battle's short-term effects, he continues, "In any case, the dream of a Confederate stronghold in the Southwest was impractical; New Mexico could not provide enough sustenance for any prolonged Confederate occupation. Furthermore, the approach of the Federal "California Column" eastward through the New Mexico Territory during the summer of 1862 would have seriously jeopardized Confederate control of the region."
Considering the above excerpts and the fact that the battle was a long way from the main theater of war east of the Mississippi, can I safely conclude that the author was mistaken in his judgment; that is, the battle was not significant, or did I miss something important?
Thank you in advance for your responses.
Norm
But after describing the battle's short-term effects, he continues, "In any case, the dream of a Confederate stronghold in the Southwest was impractical; New Mexico could not provide enough sustenance for any prolonged Confederate occupation. Furthermore, the approach of the Federal "California Column" eastward through the New Mexico Territory during the summer of 1862 would have seriously jeopardized Confederate control of the region."
Considering the above excerpts and the fact that the battle was a long way from the main theater of war east of the Mississippi, can I safely conclude that the author was mistaken in his judgment; that is, the battle was not significant, or did I miss something important?
Thank you in advance for your responses.
Norm