John Howard History

Our latest full-length presentation is now live: Battle of Cheat Mountain: Why Lee's First Offensive Failed.

In September 1861, Robert E. Lee sent five Confederate columns through the rain-soaked mountains of western Virginia to threaten Cheat Summit Fort and Camp Elkwater. His ambitious plan depended on a summit attack as the signal for the wider operation — but that attack never came. Difficult terrain, poor communication and determined Union defenders helped bring the offensive to a halt.

Follow the campaign through narrated maps, historical images and illustrated reconstructions in the latest episode of our American Civil War Class B Battle Series.

Watch the full presentation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcbdn...

What do you think mattered most: the complexity of Lee's plan, the mountain conditions or the Union defence? Let me know in the comments.

I am targeting 1,000 subscribers before the end of this year. Please help me reach that milestone by subscribing to John Howard History. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel.

#CheatMountain #AmericanCivilWar #MilitaryHistory

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

John Howard History

A mountain path. A local guide. A flank march that changed an early Civil War campaign.

My new video is now live: Rich Mountain 1861: The Flank March That Won the Battle.

On 11 July 1861, William S. Rosecrans led Union troops through rain-soaked woods to strike behind the Confederate position. Follow the march, the fighting at the Hart farm and the collapse of John Pegram’s defences through narrated maps and historical reconstructions.

This small battle had far-reaching consequences: it helped secure north-western Virginia for the Union and propelled George B. McClellan towards national prominence. But why did Rosecrans’ victory bring so much glory to his commander?

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcHuZ...

What do you think mattered most at Rich Mountain: local knowledge, bold manoeuvre or Confederate mistakes? Let me know in the comments.

#RichMountain #AmericanCivilWar #MilitaryHistory

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

John Howard History

Julius Caesar and Sulla: The Young Man Who Defied Rome’s Dictator - New Upload!!

Before he conquered Gaul or crossed the Rubicon, Julius Caesar had to survive Sulla. I’m launching a new Julius Caesar series with “Caesar and Sulla”, exploring the young Roman’s refusal to obey a dictator—and the dangerous consequences. This is the beginning of a substantial project: the current plan spans 71 episodes across four major parts, following Caesar’s rise, the Gallic Wars, the civil war, and his dictatorship and assassination. Next is “The Siege of Mytilene”, following Caesar’s early military service and the bravery for which he received the civic crown. Bringing this story to life through narrated maps and historical reconstructions will take time, with new episodes released as they are completed. If you enjoy Roman history, please subscribe to John Howard History and keep an eye out as the series unfolds. I’d be delighted to have you along for the journey.

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

John Howard History

Civil War 1861 - Wilson’s Creek to Ball’s Bluff - Chapter 3 - New Upload

Chapter 3: From Wilson’s Creek to the End of 1861. The third chapter in my American Civil War series. If you've not viewed the first two, maybe go back and view those as well.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

John Howard History

New Upload! American Civil War 1861 - First Campaigns & Bull Run - Chapter 2

https://youtu.be/l1nvgr9TJtg

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

John Howard History

New Upload! - American Civil War: First Fights | Philippi & Big Bethel | 1861

https://youtu.be/o1ly1KwnTEo

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1