There are several factors that played key roles in the Union's victory over the equally manned Confederate forces at Fort Donelson. These factors include toxic leadership, unclear guidance, sense of duty, technology/perception, and premature sense of victory. Although, both sides had several issues these are the ones that I feel stood out in the video, battle analysis and classroom discussion. Furthermore, I can relate these to personal experiences over my career.
As illustrated by our instructor there was toxic leadership and unclear guidance on both sides during this encounter. However, the south suffered more from the confusion of command. Although, General Floyd was “technically in command” it was mentioned that he was absent when key decisions had to be made. You must have a clearly established chain of command providing clear guidance and direct leadership in direct contact like this. Leadership must have complete support from the subordinate leaders in order to use the will of the men to progress in battle. We can clearly see that there was lack of communication between the general officers when Buckner delays the attack after Pillow attacked early. Furthermore, General Pillow …show more content…
That coupled with the Confederates main sense of duty or will to fight as stated to be based on the ideal to ‘Preserve their homes and protect their families’ more than to further the overall cause. Additionally, the Union Army was seen to have the edge on technology/perception; with their rifled muskets and were believed to have more men than they actually did. I know in remote locations the sense of duty and reasons for fighting are what truly sustain a warfighter. I think this directly affected some of the decisions based on perception for Gen Pillow to bring his forces back which in turn gave up that route to