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“Alternate History” By: Will Cohn

Capstone Project: Will Cohn

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Page 1: Capstone Project: Will Cohn

“Alternate History”By: Will Cohn

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Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson

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Jackson's Importance During the Civil War: The Stonewall BrigadeUpon Virginia succession from the union in 1861, Jackson fully supported his home state, in the Confederacy. On April 21 of that year, Jackson was called back to VMI where he was tasked with commanding the VMI corps of cadets. Sometime after, Jackson was promoted to the roles of brigadier commander and brigadier general, after preparing his troops for the Stonewall Brigade. Jackson earned the famous nickname, Stonewall Jackson after the first battle of Bull Run in 1861, known as the first battle of Manassas. He was honored with this nickname wings Jackson charge to head to bridge a gap in the fence line against a union attack. General Barnard E. Bee was impressed by Jackson's decision and said "There is Jackson standing like a stone wall.” Jackson was later promoted to major general. His new status and honorable nickname or a testament to his courage, quick thinking, and overall skill on the battlefield.

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Jackson's Importance During the Civil War: Shenandoah Valley Campaing and The Battle of Antietam

In the following year, Jackson launched the Shenandoah Valley campaign, and began by defending Western Virginia against the union armies invasion. Jackson led the Confederate Army to many victories, and was called to join General Robert E. Lee's army in 1862. Jackson's next major accomplishment didn't come until his quick moving 'foot cavalry' maneuvers at the battle of Cedar Mountain. Another notable accomplishments of testing to Jackson skill, once his ability to hold back enemy troops and keep defensive position at the bloody battle of Antietam

In October 1862 Jackson took control of Robert E Lee's second corps, leading them to a victory at the battle of Fredericksburg. Arguably one of Jackson's most notable victory was the battle of Chancellorsville. Jackson struck general John Hooker's army from the back, creating so many casualties that Hooker had no choice but to withdraw his troops.

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“Let us cross over and rest under the shade of the trees."

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On May 2, 1863, General Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by friendly fire from the 18th North Carolina infantry Regiment. At nearby hospital Jackson's arm was amputated, then two days

later Jackson was transported to another hospital. Then, on May 10, 1863 Jackson died at age 39, after saying his last words, “let us cross over and rest under the shade of

the trees." Jackson's valor, fortitude, and overall skill in battle

will never be forgotten.

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An Alternate Scenario:After the confederacy's best leader, Stonewall Jackson, was shot and killed, they were defeated. Had Jackson called in sick to work that day he was shot, would The United States as we know it today be a different country? Would the world super power U.S. of today be broken apart into smaller countries, divided across the middle? These are all things that could have very well happened had the Confederacy beat the Union.

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Alternate Outcomes:One must start by looking at weather or not Jackson really did

make much of a difference, and upon reviewing his various accomplishments, it is clear that Jackson certainly did not fall short in his ability and strength on the battle field. Jackson's prowess is what drove the Confederacy all the way to where they were at the time of Jackson's death. If he had been able to continue serving his home state's decision, it is safe to say that alongside Robert E. Lee, Jackson would be able to defeat the Union.

There are several possible outcomes following the Confederacy's victory in the Civil War, however the most likely of them is that today's U.S. would be split into two or more countries. If that was the case, each piece would most likely be far less powerful than the U.S. today. With weaker pieces, surrounding countries like Mexico could potentially take over parts of the future Union and Confederacy. Also, the U.S. would most likely not be a world superpower, and could easily be taken over by other top countries of today's world.

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