Cavalry in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862

<p>This study is an analysis of Confederate cavalry operations in the Valley Campaign-5 November 1861 through 10 June 1862. In a campaign dominated by the leadership of Major General Thomas Stonewall Jackson and his foot cavalry what role did his mounted arm play in the campaign? This study begins with a brief review of the historical evolution of American cavalry explaining the differences between American and European cavalry. The study also includes background information on key issues of the campaign's cavalry leadership organization logistics and tactics. The majority of the thesis discussion concerns the campaign's cavalry operations including an evaluation of the cavalry's performance. The conclusion of the thesis is that Jackson's cavalry arm significantly contributed to the Confederate success in the campaign. Cavalry contributions were strongest at the operational level of war. Despite their contributions the cavalry was inefficient. Organizational turmoil poor logistical support high operations tempo and limited training worked in concert to reduce efficiency. Although completed over one hundred years ago the cavalry operations of Shenandoah Valley Campaign has some particular lessons-learned that still apply today. Among these are support for the soldier in the field innovation and improvisation combat leadership leadership development and training.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>