Confederate Victory:
The Confederates, led by General Braxton Bragg, emerged victorious from the battle. It was one of the largest and most costly battles of the war, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Confederate victory boosted their morale and gave them control of the area around Chickamauga.
Union Retreat:
The Union army, under the command of General William Rosecrans, was forced to retreat to Chattanooga, Tennessee, after suffering heavy losses. This retreat left Chattanooga vulnerable to Confederate forces.
Siege of Chattanooga:
Following the Union retreat, the Confederates besieged Chattanooga, cutting off the city's supply lines and putting the Union forces stationed there under significant pressure. The Union army faced severe shortages of food and supplies, leading to deteriorating conditions.
Relief of Chattanooga:
Recognizing the critical situation in Chattanooga, the Union launched the Chattanooga Campaign, aimed at breaking the Confederate siege. This campaign involved several battles, culminating in the decisive Union victory at the Battle of Missionary Ridge on November 25, 1863.
Loss of Confederate Control:
The Union victory at Missionary Ridge forced the Confederates to lift the siege of Chattanooga and retreat into Georgia. The loss of Chattanooga was a major blow to the Confederacy's control of the western theater of the war.
Sherman's March:
The Chattanooga campaign paved the way for Major General William T. Sherman's subsequent Atlanta Campaign and his famous "March to the Sea," which further weakened Confederate strength and contributed significantly to the Union's eventual victory in the Civil War.
War of Attrition:
The campaigns fought after the Battle of Chickamauga, including Chattanooga, were characterized by a fierce back-and-forth struggle between the Union and Confederate armies. These battles marked a shift towards a war of attrition, with both sides suffering significant manpower losses and exhausting resources.
The consequences of the Battle of Chickamauga and its aftermath had far-reaching implications for the course of the Civil War and the ultimate victory of the Union forces.