The Battle of Independence (1864): A Key Engagement in the American Civil War
The Battle of Independence, fought on September 19, 1864, was a significant military engagement during the American Civil War. This battle took place in Independence, Missouri, a strategically important city located near the western border of the United States. In this battle, the Confederate forces decisively defeated the Union troops, marking a critical moment in the ongoing struggle between the Union and the Confederate States of America. The conflict forms part of the broader scope of the Missouri Campaigns that involved numerous skirmishes and battles across the state of Missouri.
Background
The American Civil War, which began in 1861, was primarily fought over issues surrounding slavery, states’ rights, and the political future of the United States. Missouri, a border state with divided loyalties, became a battleground between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions. The state’s geographical location and political significance made it a pivotal area of military operations.
By 1864, the war in Missouri had escalated with numerous engagements, raids, and campaigns. Both the Union and Confederate forces had made several attempts to gain control over the state. The Battle of Independence was part of the Price’s Raid, led by Sterling Price, a Confederate general, who sought to invade Missouri in an effort to gain support for the Confederate cause.
The Participants
The battle involved forces from both the Union and the Confederacy, with Missouri and Kansas City emerging as central points of contention:
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Union Forces: The Union forces were primarily composed of troops from the Kansas City and Missouri regions. These forces were tasked with defending Missouri from Confederate incursions, with the Union commander being Major General Alfred Pleasonton.
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Confederate Forces: The Confederate army was led by General Sterling Price, who had previously achieved some success in Missouri. Price’s army, although not massive, was well-equipped for the raid. He commanded a force of approximately 12,000 troops, including infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
The Battle
The Battle of Independence took place when General Price‘s Confederate forces launched an offensive in a bid to capture the city of Independence and disrupt Union operations in Missouri. Priceโs strategy aimed at retaking Missouri for the Confederacy, which was seen as a crucial step in the Confederate war effort in the Western Theater.
The Union forces, under the command of Major General Alfred Pleasonton, attempted to defend Independence. Pleasonton had gathered a smaller force of about 2,000 soldiers, which was insufficient to counter the well-coordinated Confederate assault.
The Confederates launched a series of attacks, surrounding the Union positions and forcing them to retreat. The Union forces, unable to hold their ground against the superior numbers and tactics of the Confederate troops, were overwhelmed. The Confederates secured a significant victory at Independence, effectively pushing the Union forces out of the city.
Aftermath and Impact
The Battle of Independence was a decisive victory for the Confederate States of America. Although the Confederacy did not maintain control of the area for long, the victory provided a temporary morale boost for the Confederate army and demonstrated the effectiveness of Price’s raid. The defeat for the Union had significant consequences:
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Union morale: The defeat at Independence was part of a series of Confederate successes in Missouri, contributing to a decline in Union morale in the region. It also prompted further reinforcements and strategies to ensure Union control over Missouri.
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Missouri Campaigns: The battle and subsequent Confederate victories in Missouri were a part of a broader strategy aimed at destabilizing Union control in the region. However, the Confederate success at Independence was short-lived, as the Union eventually regained control of the region in the following months.
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Price’s Raid: Despite the initial successes, Sterling Price’s raid ultimately ended in failure. Price was unable to secure substantial support from Missouri’s population or achieve his objective of liberating the state from Union control. After a series of defeats and retreats, Price’s forces were forced to withdraw, ending their campaign in Missouri.
Conclusion
The Battle of Independence was an important but ultimately short-lived Confederate victory during the American Civil War. Fought in the context of Price’s Raid, it highlighted the strategic importance of Missouri and the intense military and political conflict in the region. Although the Confederacy emerged victorious at Independence, the battle was one of many in the larger struggle for control of the border states. The battle exemplified the high stakes of the war in Missouri, a state that would continue to be contested until the war’s conclusion in 1865.
Despite its temporary success, the Confederate victory at Independence did not alter the overall outcome of the war, as the Union maintained its dominance in the West and eventually triumphed over the Confederacy. However, the battle remains an important chapter in the history of Missouri and the American Civil War, demonstrating the fluctuating fortunes of war and the resilience of both sides in their fight for the nationโs future.