Wilson's Creek Cause And Effect Essay

Two weeks after the Union attempted to try to take over the Southern capitol, Richmond, the Battle of Wilson’s Creek occurred. It was one of the most significant battles in the Civil War, as it was the first battle fought West of the Mississippi River. The subtle causes of this battle led to drastic effects following the battle at Wilson’s Creek. From this battle, we learn how an unexperienced military commander managed to win a battle that changed the course of the entire war, and therefore, changing American history.

Before the Battle of Wilson’s Creek was even fought, the results of the battle were already thought to be determined based on many causes. For example, there were only 5,400 members of the Union fighting at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, while the Confederate troop was made up of more than 10,000 members. The vast difference in troop sizes led the South to believe that they were in for an effortless victory. In addition to a tremendous variation in the size of the Union and Confederate troops, another cause of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek was that the South was feeling a sense of pride after a victory at the First Battle of Bull Run. The Battle of Wilson’s Creek occurred two weeks after the First Battle of Bull …show more content…
For example, following the battle, five men earned Medals of Honor—Nicholas Bouquet, Lorenzo Immell, John M. Schofield, William Wherry, and Henry Clay Wood. Another effect of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek was the beginning of the “Ray House”. The “Ray House” was a home that was used as a hospital after the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. One of the major effects of this battle was the awareness that it raised. For example, it was the second major battle of the Civil War and it helped people realize how serious this war was. “(The Battle of Wilson’s Creek) enlightened many ignorant minds as to the seriousness and fearful certainty of the (war),” -William