Tactics

In the battle of Prairie Grove, several strategies were used throughout the fight with the intention of smarting out the opponent. Confederates decided to wait until they reached the best opportunity to execute their attack. While arriving to the nearby area from the south first, they found it strategic to lay low nearby until the Union forces were at their most vulnerable. In general, Confederates were notorious for using very aggressive and sudden approaches. They believed that their use of a surprise gave them a tactical edge. Instead of facing the army face on, Confederate leaders decided to begin their attack closer to the north and attempt to cut off the Union soldiers from the path that led them to the area. 

As the surprise attack worked, it led to some Union groups moving away from the established area and relying on defensive tactics. With a clever plan in mind, the Union troops led the southerners in the direction of where the heart of their infantry was residing. After joining up with the majority of their fellow soldiers, the Union army was ready to attack. 

Their preparation in equipment also played a key aspect in their execution of tactics. Confederates were outgunned by the Union and understood that strategy was the only factor they had left at possibly winning the battle. While the North had a decent ratio of soldiers compared to the South, they understood that they wouldn't be taking true advantage of it if it were to be used in one swift stroke. Instead, they divided up their infantry and organized them to attack in different phases at different times throughout the battle. This led to the belief that the Union side had a stronger endurance and was more capable of controlling the battle as a whole. The presentation of more scattered yet organized Northern soldiers and weapons such as cannons caused the Confederate leaders to rethink their strategies more and more. In doing so, the North had destroyed their enemy’s mental rule over the fight.  

The Battle of Prairie Grove, www.mycivilwar.com/battles/621207a.html. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.

“Battle of Prairie Grove.” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, 16 June 2023, encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/battle-of-prairie-grove-513/.

“Battle of Prairie Grove.” Clio, theclio.com/entry/15005. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.