The Battle of Shiloh took place April 6, 1862. This battle involved the Union and rebel army, specifically, General A.S. Johnston, Ulysses S. Grant, the Ohio, Mississippi and Tennessee forces. The objective of this battle was to defeat the rebel army and to gain more land for the Union to control. A major obstacle during the battle includes, the unexpected attack of the rebel army at night and the absence of the Ohio force for the majority of the duration of the two-day battle. When the Battle of Shiloh concluded, the Union army gained greater control of the Mississippi River valley. Approximately 1,754 were killed, 8,408 were wounded and 2,885 were captured/missing.

The Battle off Gettysburg took place on July 1, 1863 - July 3,1863. The battle involved the Union army, the Confederate army, General Robert E. Lee, George G. Meade and George Pickett. The objective of the battle was to defend and defeat the Confederate army, whom invaded the north. Obstacles of this battle include, the larger Confederate force, and their planned attacks to certain parts of the Union line. The outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg was that the Union army won and the Confederate army would not again launch an attack in the north. During this battle, 3,155 were killed, 14,531 were wounded and 5,369 were captured/missing.