Why Is Joseph Hooker Important In The Civil War?

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When most people think about the Civil War, they may think about slavery and important figures such as Abraham Lincoln or Harriet Tubman. Another important figure in the Civil War was General Joseph Hooker. Joseph Hooker fought for the same reason as some important figures in that era. Joseph Hooker is mainly known for his service in the Civil War and for serving his country. He will always be remembered as one of the most successful generals during the Civil War. Joseph Hooker was born on November 13, 1814 in Hadley, Massachusetts. He was the grandson of a captain in the Revolutionary War. His mother, Mary H. Seymour and father, Joseph Hooker raised him. His early education was at a school, called the Hopkins Academy (Hickman). This …show more content…

He served as a staff member under General Zachary Taylor. For all of his bravery, Hooker was promoted to Lieutenant General. After the war had ended, he served as a military chief. Hooker resigned from the military in 1853 to pursue a career as a farmer and timber merchant. His resignation did not last very long because he offered to help in the Civil War (Simkin). During the Civil War, Joseph Hooker received the nickname “Fighting Joe”. Many people thought the nickname made him seem like a bandit. Although, he did not care about it that much. He fought many battles during the war and even served and commanded the Army of the Potomac. One of his greatest battles was the Battle of Chattanooga or as they called it the “battle above the clouds” (“Joseph Hooker”). Unfortunately, most people know Hooker for his loss at the Battle of Chancellorsville, which was supposively General Lee’s perfect battle. Some of Joseph Hooker’s awards and accomplishments he achieved is that he achieved the rank of Major General, won the Founder’s Gold medal, and served his country for most of his life. Hooker was important in the Civil War because he was one of the most successful generals at that time and he helped win the war with his great leadership and