The focus of this episode is the legendary Stonewall Jackson, who is described as "a classic case of Asperger's." He is depicted staring off into space and closing his eyes during battle. He believes that he is an instrument of God in fighting against the evil tyrant Lincoln. In his mind, everything he does is divinely ordained. Following his stunning victory at Bull Run, Jackson becomes what the program identifies as "the most famous military man in the Western world."
Clearly a misfit in life, Jackson acts the role of the eccentric professor at the Virginia Military Academy, following an unhappy stint as a West Point cadet and serving in Mexico. After a classroom confrontation, one of his students, James Walker, challenges his prof to a duel. Jackson refuses and orders the arrest of Walker. But when the Civil War begins, Colonel Walker becomes one of Jackson's most trusted aides and friends.
Jackson was an owner of slaves. But he detested the brutality of slavery. He started a Sunday school for slaves. Jackson himself was a poor, uneducated orphan, and his greatest desire was to have a family. But his wife Elle died in childbirth, delivering a stillborn son. But Jackson's dream was fulfilled with his second wife who delivered a healthy baby girl, Julia. Still, Jackson was most at home in the heat of battle. His reputation became so great that he is mobbed by both civilian men and women, the latter of whom request that he bless their new babies.
Now, Jackson must try to stop Ambrose Burnside, McClellan's replacement, who is marching towards the Confederate capital at Richmond. Jackson pushes his men with ferocity. Across the Rappahannock River, Jackson mows down 13,000 Union soldiers at Fredericksville.
Lee and Jackson are risk-takers, which is no more apparent than at the battle of Chancellorsville where they are caught off guard with the charge of "Fighting Joe" Hooker. On May 2, 1863, Jackson conceives at Chancellorsville what the program identifies as one of the most brilliant tactical maneuvers of the Civil War. Jackson devises a flanking maneuver, leading his men through The Wilderness in a surprise attack against the formidable XI Corps under Oliver Otis "Uh Oh" Howard. Despite being warned about Jackson's audacious plan, the appropriately named "Uh Oh" Howard failed to heed the warning, was surprised, caught in a deadly vice, and routed. Jackson's victory was innovative in both strategy and leadership.
But when Jackson tried to follow up on his victory, he rode ahead of his Confederate lines after sunset. He was then wounded by his own men in "friendly fire." The cry went out, "We shot the general!" Jackson's arm was amputated, but he contracted pneumonia while recovering at home. His wife could hear him barking out orders to his soldiers while in his delirium. Prior to his death, he turned command over to his fiery student, who was now given the nickname "Stonewall Jim" Walker.
When news of Jackson's death reached him, General Lee exclaimed that "Jackson lost his left arm, and I have lost my right." The date May 10, 1863 and man who died in the town of Guinea, Virginia, may be seen as a turning point in the Civil War. Jackson's body was transferred to the classroom at the Virginia Military Institute where he had been ridiculed as an incompetent instructor. Tens of thousands paid tribute to their hero along the way. For the Civil War, there is no doubt that the loss of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was critical in the final outcome.
Clearly a misfit in life, Jackson acts the role of the eccentric professor at the Virginia Military Academy, following an unhappy stint as a West Point cadet and serving in Mexico. After a classroom confrontation, one of his students, James Walker, challenges his prof to a duel. Jackson refuses and orders the arrest of Walker. But when the Civil War begins, Colonel Walker becomes one of Jackson's most trusted aides and friends.
Jackson was an owner of slaves. But he detested the brutality of slavery. He started a Sunday school for slaves. Jackson himself was a poor, uneducated orphan, and his greatest desire was to have a family. But his wife Elle died in childbirth, delivering a stillborn son. But Jackson's dream was fulfilled with his second wife who delivered a healthy baby girl, Julia. Still, Jackson was most at home in the heat of battle. His reputation became so great that he is mobbed by both civilian men and women, the latter of whom request that he bless their new babies.
Now, Jackson must try to stop Ambrose Burnside, McClellan's replacement, who is marching towards the Confederate capital at Richmond. Jackson pushes his men with ferocity. Across the Rappahannock River, Jackson mows down 13,000 Union soldiers at Fredericksville.
Lee and Jackson are risk-takers, which is no more apparent than at the battle of Chancellorsville where they are caught off guard with the charge of "Fighting Joe" Hooker. On May 2, 1863, Jackson conceives at Chancellorsville what the program identifies as one of the most brilliant tactical maneuvers of the Civil War. Jackson devises a flanking maneuver, leading his men through The Wilderness in a surprise attack against the formidable XI Corps under Oliver Otis "Uh Oh" Howard. Despite being warned about Jackson's audacious plan, the appropriately named "Uh Oh" Howard failed to heed the warning, was surprised, caught in a deadly vice, and routed. Jackson's victory was innovative in both strategy and leadership.
But when Jackson tried to follow up on his victory, he rode ahead of his Confederate lines after sunset. He was then wounded by his own men in "friendly fire." The cry went out, "We shot the general!" Jackson's arm was amputated, but he contracted pneumonia while recovering at home. His wife could hear him barking out orders to his soldiers while in his delirium. Prior to his death, he turned command over to his fiery student, who was now given the nickname "Stonewall Jim" Walker.
When news of Jackson's death reached him, General Lee exclaimed that "Jackson lost his left arm, and I have lost my right." The date May 10, 1863 and man who died in the town of Guinea, Virginia, may be seen as a turning point in the Civil War. Jackson's body was transferred to the classroom at the Virginia Military Institute where he had been ridiculed as an incompetent instructor. Tens of thousands paid tribute to their hero along the way. For the Civil War, there is no doubt that the loss of Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was critical in the final outcome.
