Was the wounding of Joe Johnston at Seven Pines the best thing that ever happened to the South in the war?

Answer 1

It is impossible to say. It was certainly the best thing to happen for Robert E. Lee.

But Joseph Johnston was an outstanding general both before and during the war.

It would have been a different war in northern Virginia, certainly. But he did not get along with the political administration of the CSA.

Of his wounding in the Peninsular Campaign, Johnston wrote, “The shot that struck me down was the best ever fired for the Confederacy, for I possessed in no degree the confidence of the government, and now a man who does enjoy it will succeed me and be able to accomplish what I never could.”

Answer 2

That is a difficult question to tackle. Thankfully we have hindsight. Since the South lost, you have to ask yourself if losing Johnston and prolonging the war could be considered a "best" thing. Certainly if they had one, this would be one of those turning points, but unfortunately, it may have only drug out a war longer than it should have, bringing about the desecration of the south at the hands of Sherman and his army.

But, then again, that is the War between the States isn't it? Just a bunch of what if's.

Answer 3

Yes it was. Joe Johnston said so himself. Joe Johnston was a capable administrator and knew how to husband his forces as he proved so well in the Atlanta campaign.

However, he would never have been as aggressive as Lee was in the Seven Days. That was the difference and Lee seemed to understand that McClellan would not be able to effectively respond to Lee's constant attacks.

I would have to say it was one of those crucial turning points in the war.

The South would have very few of these that would be as positive as this one.

Answer 4

No the best thing that ever happened to the South during the war was George McClellan. It could have been over before it started if not for that mealy mouthed ninny.

Answer 5

Was it Barzini all along?

The best thing was the secession of Virginia, it brought Gen. Lee to the southern flag, otherwise he would've been the Union General in charge of the Army of the Potomic, instead of that ninnie McLellen

Answer 6

We will never know