Coming from the great state of tennessee.i can say this man is a hero to the south and the state.we need more men like him during these turbulent times.
Many times during my childhood I fed the pigeons at the park mentioned that sat on the bluff beside the Post Office. Broke my heart when they removed the graves and tore down the statue. The Civil war was a terrible part of our history with many atrocities on both sides. However, our historical memorials should serve as reminders, so hopefully, those atrocities will not be repeated.
Well said brother! He was a great warrior and a good southern man that most would do good to be half of what he was! I have 120 acres in Chattanooga TN and would love to have all these monuments and statues placed on my property, because the battle of Chattanooga partially happened on a small corner of my property. Hell, I've been metal detecting and found bayonets and musket balls there!
@@govolsfightvolsfight2908 That is awesome! I am jealous lol. Unfortunately in Wisconsin where I am from there is not much chance of finding cool stuff like that. I’ve been a civil war enthusiast since I was a 8 years old and Forrest was always my favorite Confederate general. People do not know shit about history. If Forrest was such a monster would have William Tecumseh Sherman have said he would gladly accept Forrest’s services in the event of war with Spain? We almost had the Spanish American war in the 1870’s and the General offered his services to fight under the Stars and Stripes.
@@pigmanobvious you are correct, and for the life in me, I've never understood why people don't like monuments or statutes! Most the stupid shits bitching about them wouldn't know who was on what side unless some liberal twat told them to think that way! It's truly a tragedy what's happening to our history and I'd fight if needed and came to it for that very reason!
@@govolsfightvolsfight2908I’m a Kentucky metal detector and a Southern history enthusiast, I would love to hunt with you if you’re interested in making a friend and hunting your area
One cannot compare the actions of someone living in a different era to those of one living today. It's shortsighted and ignorant. @@totallynotalpharius2283
@@whiskeymusic9684 I admired him. Can you just imagine if he had been a West Point graduate? But then again he was awesome cause he wasn’t corrupted by a military school. He was very smart!!!
I live just outside Columbia TN. Until I moved here 4 years ago, I had no idea how much of the Civil War happened in Tennessee. We're just not taught about it up North. And Forrest? We're taught he was a terrorist and founding member of the KKK. Thank you so much for these videos! They really do a lot to both educate and lend perspective.
there are two histories in regards to the Civil War. Most if not all of Forrest's newspaper accounts were uncorroborated and it's context was purely political. As time passed corroborations to the same was spotty and additive. The result is myth to an ideology. Most of the northern account came from eyewitnesses. Nothing additive.
He wasn't a founding member. The actual founders actually voted him in and put him in at the highest position because of his status in the American Civil war. He was a member but it's not like he was actively seeking it out I believe. I think it just kind of happened. The klan was originally intended to be like the Freemasons just for the South and I think we know where it went from there.
Thank you for another outstanding episode! I served for 30 years and have studied the Civil War extensively for a good 20 years. I absolutely believe Forrest was the best soldier created by the war. Yes; he owned and traded slaves which was a horrendous practice but he also did a lot of good for the black community after the war. Without a doubt, he was a pragmatist. Let’s keep in mind that many Union Soldiers were extremely racist. The fact is, the war was waged to maintain the Union and freeing the slaves (only in Confederate held states) was a political move. Look at the New York riots, comments made by Sherman and Grants General Order No. 11. Even Lincoln made it known that he thought the white race was superior to the black race. My feeling is that the monuments and graves should be left alone.
I get what your saying. I was born in Memphis and raised just north east of there. To tell you the truth I'm glad they moved him from that God forsaken city.
@@stevenruark2930 I concur. He definitely deserved better. I believe that it’s unfair to judge 19th century men by 21st century standards; especially since many of people doing the judging are doing so using “woke” standards.
I agree with the attorney. Don'tdisrespect the burial sites of someone you disagree with, most times those people, if we are wise, are our greatest teachers.
I lived in Memphis 91-97 and I been to the park where Forrest statue stand, but today if you go there you got a good chance of getting shot, rob, are beat up in that area. SAD !!!
I enjoy and appreciate all the hard work y’all put in to present such vivid history that I just joined your channel. Thank you for your professionalism in the accurate retelling of the historical narratives as it does not go unnoticed.
Notice what else they teach you in schools every single year you reminded about the hollow cost. I wonder why they have to teach children about that every single year of their schooling. Along with the countless books and Hollywood movies it becomes ingrained in the culture and their people become never-ending victims to the point to where they can do anything to anybody. It's done to gain the world's pity and sympathy. In reality, it never happened does camps were built by the Soviets. And then the winners invented a bunch of war crimes and punish the losers
Second time through, rarely done on my part. Why do so many try to skew/embellish history when the basic documented facts are far better than retro type history? Very well done and sincere thanks.
This guy is full of 💩 what are you talking about ? He calls someone being the head of the clue clock's clan that murdered innocent people controversial 😂 Mate you gotta get your history in a better place and actually listen to an authority on the subject matter and not just some dope on UA-cam making money off your stupidity
I'm a Southerner and grateful for that. I knew almost nothing of this great, flawed man. Lee was everything noble and true about the South. Nathan was everything strong, headstrong and defiant. Both were great men. Thank you
Excellent idea. I find the desire and attempts to erase the influential men who forged this nation into what it has become both ignorant and dangerous. Yes, the Confederate generals and political leaders were on the wrong side of history, defending a lost cause from the moment their homes chose to secede. But without the Civil War, the US wouldn't have become the nation we are. We can show respect to those men, even if they were in the wrong. If people choose to remove the monuments honoring Confederate leaders from courthouse lawns, government buildings, public parks, etc, then those monuments should absolutely be moved to national battlefields. Put Bedford Forrest's monument at Chickamauga / Chattanooga, Shiloh or Fort Donelson National Battlefield.
You do know the removed statues are those of traitors to the United States? But I guess that's why you want them and also because they represent a time of slavery and your ok with that .
Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of a kind, a true Southern hero, military genius, and genuine bad ass. Thank you for your two videos about him. They were both well done. I do wish however you would have mentioned the number of black men that served in his command. It's my understanding that although most worked in support roles, many were combatants who fought alongside their fellow Confederate cavalrymen.
Yeah, that’s patently false buddy… none actually fought alongside their southern “brethren”. Provide some legitimate sources and maybe I’ll be inclined to review them for authenticity. I can guarantee you’ll be hard pressed. 🤣😂
Now how in the world would anybody say that they weren’t there !!!!! And it’s a well documented fact !!!! Like I said history doesn’t care what you like or don’t like and it’s a fact that the south took a little and whipped a lot !!!! You can only do that with good leadership and that’s a fact !!!!!
Now how in the world would anybody say that they weren’t there !!!!! And it’s a well documented fact !!!! Like I said history doesn’t care what you like or don’t like and it’s a fact that the south took a little and whipped a lot !!!! You can only do that with good leadership and that’s a fact !!!!!
Shelby Foote wrote a few books on General Forrest. I picked one up and could hardly put it down. It was so well written it felt like I was right there. He also does a few documentaries on Forrest. If you like this you will surely like Footes work.
I find these narrations of yours most enlivening of what many consider dry material. You give it a "living presence" to the events that many others often lack. These were and are, living people and dead people, whose lives shaped the destiny of the nation under the most dire and harshest of circumstances. Bad food, bad smells, terrible hygiene, little to no means of succor or support of the men in the field, and add on top of that, the most terrible type of warfare fought face to face, for what seemed like, endless years, going from one hot, dusty, or cold and freezing place to another. I thank you sir and your fellows, in this effort. Don
Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your work. You are second to none on this topic that i hold near and dear to my heart. My family fought in this conflict- 4th AL Cav-. Thank you for being honest and not sugar-coating and for being un-bias. I plan on becoming a loyalist very soon. Watching your videos is one of my highlights of my days off from work and i cant wait to be a loyalist and help you continue your passion. Sincerely Dylan Frederick.
This is a most enjoyable and excellently done video. Forrest is such a unique, real to life individual and the way you threaded together the good the bad and the ugly was really well done. I have studied alot about forrest, you did his story justice. Thank you for your time and effort. And for not glossing over anything. I have been intentionally trying to preserve civil war history as much as I can and have found some stuff from his skirmish and locations. Those who don't remember the past are usually due to repeat it.
Nathan Bedford Forrest need not make excuses for the choices he made based on his frame of reference and the environment from whence he came. RIP General Forrest no greater a warrior has ever been birthed in the Home Of The Brave.
I am actually related to this man, my granfathers side of the family were formerly known as "The Bedfords" and it is still on his drivers license simply as a "B" however, somewhere along the line we changed our name to the "Chollars". We had a relative who was a Private in some army we went to see around 10 years ago, I was only 5 or so. His last name was Bedford and he was one of our confirmed relatives, Where was he from? Tennessee, who else was from there? General Bedford. He was the first ever Grand Wizard (which is actually extremely honorable as the KKK was formerly a lookout group who helped people before it turned for the worse) I don't know much more because I actually just learned this from my parents, however, it is extremely interesting to learn more about bedford and my family's history.
Proud to have 2 portraits of NBF in my home. Now, about Fort Pillow, if the truth was known, which was known by several high ranking Northern Generals, there would be far less controversy. The price of cotton explains Fort Pillow. The question is, how many were benefiting from the $1.89 per pound. That is $47 per pound today.
I believe this too. I don’t know what was wrong with Bragg. He seemed to always retreat when battles got tough. How did he allow the U.S.Troops come up a steep mountain with trees and boulders hampering their advance without having a heavy loss of men and equipment. I bet it baffled Grant too.
@@danielmccranie1754 The problem was never Bragg. The problem was Bragg's subordinates. Never in the entire war was there a command consisting of men so full of themselves in self promotion that undermining the army they were a part of wasn't even below them. Polk, Kirby, Smith, and Hood all failed in the field not because of Bragg's plans and orders, but because of failures caused by themselves.
@@jackshaftoe1715The North also owned people, for they were the ship builders of the Colonies. Read some history books, not crap off the internet. Local libraries have numerous books on the subject.
At the least an indestructible military presence. His life and exploits would have to my mind inspired such modern day military leaders as Patton, Rommel and Guderian to name a few. While traveling through the area I was surprised to encounter Forrest City Arkansas and wondered how it has maintained that identifier under assault by today’s revisionist culture. Thanks for your well narrated and informative podcast of Nathan Bedford Forrest. Looking forward to future podcasts.
Damn what a great ending line. Excellent story. Came here bc all the controversy and wow was my mind changed. Controversial or not what an incredible story of an imperfect human pursuing what he deemed correct despite what others thought. Love or despise, an absolute pivotal figure in our nations history
3:30 Bragg was informed that Forrest had left on a foray north, not by Forrest himself. Communication was always a major failure of Forrest's. Bragg was not wrong in his statement, Forrest and Wheeler proved unsupportive of the main Army in that being the eyes and ears they provided nothing of the sort for the campaign. Yet both men remained on good terms with one another. When Forrest asked for specific units in an independent command Bragg gave it to him along with a promotion befitting the area of control of his new command.
Bragg wasn't a good Field Marshall. He got his appointment because Jefferson Davis practiced protocol strenuously. Bragg being Senior General in the western theater after the death of General Beauregard at Shiloh was next in line even though he was mainly just a paper pusher. Tactics weren't a strong suit for Bragg. Something that would lead the south to defeat ultimately in the west. If anyone's to blame it's Jefferson Davis. It's surprising somewhat General Lee didn't tell Davis he wanted someone else to command the western theater. Perhaps even Nathan Bedford Forrest who Lee recognized as a brilliant strategist and tactician. It's understandable Forrest disliked Bragg. The two men were polar opposites of one another in just about every way that there is to be.
Beauregard didn't die at Shiloh, he survived the War. Albert Sidney Johnston is who was hit behind the knee and bledout. And yeah Bragg was like Joseph E. Johnston,always a crawlfishing instead of plowing into the bluebellies like Gen. Robert E. Lee( don't call him Bobby). DEO VINDICE
@@carywest9256 Yes I realized I named the wrong General after I posted. I wasn't going to delete the whole thing just because of it however. There isn't a good way of making corrections on these sites unfortunately. I wondered how long it would take for someone to pick up on the mistake. Took longer then I thought it would actually. I don't guess we have to many history buffs out there.
4:49 The Cowen account was disproven as pure myth. Cowen (a cousin) made up this story after Forrest, had passed away. Cowen himself was the only eyewitness to the event, saying only Jefferson Davis, Bragg, Forrest, and himself were present at Forrest's insubordinate display. The truth is Davis was confirmed to be somewhere else hundreds and if not a thousand miles away. This event first appeared in Wyeth's first edition of his book on Forrest as Cowen provided it to him. But after some investigation Wyeth found it to be a falsehood and removed this account from the second edition of his book.
2:20 The reason none of Braxton Bragg's men were in the area was because Forrest was the advanced screening force. Bragg's men were marching not riding. Only forced marches could close the gap and the Army of Rosecrans would simply do the same with a forced march. It was Polk (friend of Jefferson Davis that refused to strike camp and pursue at Bragg's orders. Polk quote to Bragg: "Do tell General Bragg that my heart is overflowing with anxiety for the attack--- overflowing with anxiety sir") Longstreet was nowhere near the area as his Corps was a day plus away. Again Forrest's commentary is just a viewpoint from his perspective, he did not possess the overall picture of the battle.
As a 22 year veteran. I can not believe that all forts with confederate names were changed. The south had heros also. They fought for what they thought was right. We can not change history by tying to hide it. We must know history to move to the future. I say keep the statues and place a different on that shows the other side next to it. Forest was a true hero for the south. Even without almost no education. Out wit his enemy. With smaller forces. Won so many battles. With no fear and plans that only a genius could do. All that said the drawback from being the Grand Wizard of the KKK. Has been his down fall for recognition. Also the empire he made with slave trading. But that was how it was at that time. Not saying it was right. Just saying that was how it was. I for one call him one of the greatest military men that ever lived. And should be recognized for that.
Thank you for this! I am a direct descendant of General Forrest my name is William Forrest I assume after his son and my father's name was Jeffery. Appreciate your approach with this
War is hell and all the casualties were earned. Sherman’s shenanigans were no better. If Sherman were alive today and needed any sort of assistance in any way he certainly wouldn’t receive it from me.
It's interesting how many times Forrest became angry at what he perceived as foolish decisions of superiors, only to be proved correct in the aftermath.
I'm thinking you never learned to read. The word you are looking for there is TRAITOR ! Oh and if you dont like it go back to Scotland or was it Ireland ?
I wish to make it clear that whether Forrest formed the KKK he certainly dissolved it in a Memphis hotel cant remember the date but it was many years after the war. I certainly hope you make it apparent that the original KKK was dissolved in root and bough that day by Forrest.
You cannot erase history. There was great men on both sides who died for what they believed in they were all Americans. God bless all there Souls. Let there be Peace in this World.
I enjoyed this, but must take issue with your characterization of Forrest as "a traitor." I don't think that's fair. The Confederacy was as open and honest an attempt to create a new nation as The American Revolution had been, the difference being that The American Revolution succeeded while The War of Southern Rebellion failed. Do you have any doubt that if The American Revolution had failed, its leaders would have been labeled, however unjustly, traitors by the British? And in neither case is it a just assessment. A traitor, the classic example being Kim Philby, works from within, stealthily, to undermine the government of his nation. There is a huge moral difference between an honest rebel and a traitor.
I believe you're referring to a section where he was described as a slave owner and TRADER. He was in fact a slave trader before the war. It did sound like traitor and it took me a moment to realize what he really meant. Because of the similarity of the words he should have said it as "slave owner and slave trader" not just trader.
Please read “The South was Right”, it was called The 2nd American Revolution. Now I fear we’re heading for the 3rd American Revolution. We sure need the Spirit of General Nathan Bedford Forest
You are right! The South was right in 1861 because their grandfathers were right in 1776. Secession was more legitimate in 1861 because they were sovereign States and not subjects as they were in 1776.
@@brycewade8791 No, secession is not mentioned in the constitution. But unilateral secession is not possible. In this country for any measure to pass it must undergo approval of the legislature. That is a bill would be put before Congress then voted upon for that secession be adopted to an Amendment. Joining the Union wasn’t meant to be jumping over the broom your in, jumping over the broom your out. There was real concern if the situation got tough States would leave in fear, leaving the remaining States to hang. The question of secession was not a new one. The sovereignty of states, and their permanence in the Union, was a constant question. Al Mackey lists out several Supreme Court cases that used the intent for a perpetual Union in their decisions: Madison, the chief author of the Constitution, certainly understood what he was creating. Madison repeatedly explained unilateral secession wasn't possible. When trying to get the states to ratify the Constitution, New York asked for a secession clause after a number of years. Hamilton wrote to Madison about it. This was Madison's response: "Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make New York a member of the New Union, and consequently that she could not be received on that plan. Compacts must be reciprocal, this principle would not in such a case be preserved. The Constitution requires an adoption in toto, and forever. It has been so adopted by the other States. An adoption for a limited time would be as defective as an adoption of some of the articles only. In short any condition whatever must viciate the ratification. What the New Congress by virtue of the power to admit new States, may be able & disposed to do in such case, I do not enquire as I suppose that is not the material point at present. I have not a moment to add more than my fervent wishes for your success & happiness. "This idea of reserving right to withdraw was started at Richmond & considered as a conditional ratification which was itself considered as worse than a rejection." -James Madison to Hamilton, July 20, 1788
Forrest was a singular entity in the Civil War. Smart people from all walks of military life, read about him, his tactics, and most importantly his combining of those elements with his fevered aggression. Numbers did not really matter to him. He was able to apply aggression and adjustments to tactics to compensate for facing superior numbers. The rewriting of history by those that are ignorant of it is a sad fact of this country at this point. Forrest was someone to respect in terms of military genius, as well as someone to regard with an equal amount of contempt for many of his actions with regard to his treatment of those from different racial groups.
Numbers did matter to him. He avoided fights without advantage of numbers or equalizing terrain. "Fustest with the mostest." The revisionism of Civil War events started in 1866 and continues today in the Lost Cause Ideology. His military genius is simply basic in nature but multiplied the perfect conditions of the area of the command. Forrest had all the advantages and no of the disadvantages of a typical command. You could take any Tom Dick or Harry that was a rich braggart and put him in the same scenario and succeed. 1) Operate in a vast friendly area that readily provided supplies, intelligence reports, and recruits. 2) Attack small groups to gain military supplies. 3) Ignore orders from superiors, refuse to communicate with peers or other commands nearby. Take soldiers from other commands as your own.
@scottgoens7575 I will concede certain elements, but I will respectfully disagree on others. Forrest fought against superior numbers many times, with great success. He may have been a braggart, but his success not only in winning battles, but in the mental battle can not be understated. Just because someone is a braggart, does not mean they are incapable. Forrest lived rent free in many military leaders, on both sides, causing those leaders to second guess, rush, and in some cases make poor tactical decisions, allowing emotions to get the better of them.
@@amandragoran anytime Forrest fought superior numbers he had logistical advantage. This is directly related to the vastness of the friendly territory and intelligence he gained from its citizens. For example, the battle of Brice's Crossroads. Sturgis set out under supplied and on half rations for his men. The roads to Tupelo were wet and sloppy due to six sequential days of rain, which slowed the advance of the supply wagons and ammunition train. Several companies of men were detailed to try to make the roads passable. Additionally, the horses pulling the trains were poorly fed because there had been little in the way of forage for them to eat along the way. Many of them were shot as the arduous axle deep mud was too much for them. Secondly, both Grant and Sherman knew if Forrest was given a choice he would always go after the weakest raiding force leaving him occupied away from federal operations. The success of major Federal operations was to keep the garrisons of the supply line free of Forrest. As for Forrest's character it cannot be denied he was a braggart, bully, and a quick fused individual who found fault in everyone but himself. That is well documented. His leadership faults are also well documented. 1)His own brutality to his own men. 2) His acerbic relationship with his peers in command. 3) He was promoted beyond his capabilities. The above reasons are exactly why he was given independent command. Mosby lived rent free as well. Moseby did more with less in a small area with actual leaderships skills. The Myth of Forrest makes him, " ten foot tall and shooting lightning bolts out of his ass" in today's historiography. He has certainly has been over exaggerated in all aspects of his military endeavors. How was that possible? Forrest was allowed to write without corroboration a flattering portrayal of himself in which others gladly climbed aboard that adulation train as time passed.
@scottgoens7575 One might acrually look at what you are saying through a different lens. He tooktaegets many times, that guaranteed a victory, or at rhw least, enough bloodshed to the enemy to make it worth the losses that may have been suffered. Many leaders, frear and not so great exhibit their flaws openly. Forrest was abusive as a leader - well documented. Forrest was a bragbox that thought he walked on water - again, well documented. The other side was the victories kept coming in spite of his flaws. Choosing to take smaller dorces that assured the win is intelligent, it shows different ways of thinking. Not every tactical wunderkind was a wunderkind because they fought impossible odds and won. Somebare just smart enough to keep winning by choosing the right battles and tactics and locations. There are several other leaders from the Civil War that won the mental battles that go on behind the lines, resulting in those mental victories translating to overall victories on the field. Forrest was just a character, and for the South, he was someone that "stuck it to the yankees" enough to gain notoriety on both sides of the line. We will likely disagree on many things in life, this is one of them. Based upon my upbringing, reading as much as I have and listening to historical pieces from folks like Colin, Forrest was a hard man, and a caricature that was made larger than life because of his military exploits. He was viewed much the same way that favorite generals were in WWII, or any other wars this country fought in. In the South, he was revered for the most part, and viewed in many cases with awe tinged with humor. In the North, he was viewed as an egotistical, evil, opportunist that was quite lucky. Personally, I think he was a blueprint for success in many ways, as well as a blueprint for self destruction. He could have done much more, but several others did much less. Nice discussion BTW, most people degenerate into insults after one post, I appreciate literate, differing points of view!
@@amandragoran The bottom line is that Forrest in all aspects has been exaggerated by historiography beyond his actual impact. Those that worship the Forrest idol refuse to see is that it was Wheeler that was referred to more often or first when it came to raiders. Specific reference to specific commanders concerning raiders wasn't focused just on Forrest. Forrest had a big hand at tooting his own exploits, with exaggerations...
Even after.losing the war I believe that leaders of the south should still be looked at as heroes. They fought for what they believed in and after all they were still Americans!! Some are really great soldiers and leaders . We could learn from them.
Thank you for this fair account of Nathan Bedford Forrest. To hell with the men of today, who aren't even a shred of the man that was General Forest. R.I.P. General
I absolutely loved this story. Thanks from New Zealand. We all need to stop judging yesterday's men by today's laws. Example. Was Jesus a racist for telling the good Samaritan story. Definitely.
Id love to see you cover the true reasons the civil war was fought. Slavery had little to do with it and slavery in the south was not as wide spread as depicted in movies. The encroachment of states rights and tyranny were much more important factors. Had anyone ever wondered when America stopped honoring the constitution. Or how about the year country was incorporated and turned in a business. True history is fascinating.
I admire fine generals on both sides. I do not agree with the removal of honored statues, on both sides. I am glad we had slavery ended, but when we unite we are twice as bad ass. Glory to the USA troops no matter their color,or creed. Glad to be American!
Coming from the great state of tennessee.i can say this man is a hero to the south and the state.we need more men like him during these turbulent times.
Many times during my childhood I fed the pigeons at the park mentioned that sat on the bluff beside the Post Office. Broke my heart when they removed the graves and tore down the statue. The Civil war was a terrible part of our history with many atrocities on both sides. However, our historical memorials should serve as reminders, so hopefully, those atrocities will not be repeated.
Nathan Bedford Forrest was a beast and a legend with warfare.
Both segments are historically accurate and very well told. Forrest is certainly a man worthy of remembrance. Well done.
Those who wanted his statue removed are not fit to wipe the generals boots. They are just angry people; angry at their own shortcomings and failures.
Well said brother! He was a great warrior and a good southern man that most would do good to be half of what he was! I have 120 acres in Chattanooga TN and would love to have all these monuments and statues placed on my property, because the battle of Chattanooga partially happened on a small corner of my property. Hell, I've been metal detecting and found bayonets and musket balls there!
@@govolsfightvolsfight2908 That is awesome! I am jealous lol.
Unfortunately in Wisconsin where I am from there is not much chance of finding cool stuff like that.
I’ve been a civil war enthusiast since I was a 8 years old and Forrest was always my favorite Confederate general.
People do not know shit about history. If Forrest was such a monster would have William Tecumseh Sherman have said he would gladly accept Forrest’s services in the event of war with Spain? We almost had the Spanish American war in the 1870’s and the General offered his services to fight under the Stars and Stripes.
@@pigmanobvious you are correct, and for the life in me, I've never understood why people don't like monuments or statutes! Most the stupid shits bitching about them wouldn't know who was on what side unless some liberal twat told them to think that way! It's truly a tragedy what's happening to our history and I'd fight if needed and came to it for that very reason!
@@govolsfightvolsfight2908I’m a Kentucky metal detector and a Southern history enthusiast, I would love to hunt with you if you’re interested in making a friend and hunting your area
Damn , you lucky dog !
Hat's off to One of the Greatest Calvary Leaders ever. Despite those that dislike General Forrest. All have to admire his spirit.
A supremely talented man in service to a horrible cause
@@totallynotalpharius2283 politics isn't that simple.
@@totallynotalpharius2283that man was fighting because it was time to fight, right are wrong, as a southern it's in your blood .
One cannot compare the actions of someone living in a different era to those of one living today. It's shortsighted and ignorant. @@totallynotalpharius2283
@@whiskeymusic9684 I admired him. Can you just imagine if he had been a West Point graduate? But then again he was awesome cause he wasn’t corrupted by a military school. He was very smart!!!
“Courage cannot be counterfeited, It is one virtue that escapes hypocrisy”
Napoleon Bonaparte
I live just outside Columbia TN. Until I moved here 4 years ago, I had no idea how much of the Civil War happened in Tennessee. We're just not taught about it up North. And Forrest? We're taught he was a terrorist and founding member of the KKK. Thank you so much for these videos! They really do a lot to both educate and lend perspective.
Don't cha despise a damn lair?
The truth is a relief in this case.
there are two histories in regards to the Civil War. Most if not all of Forrest's newspaper accounts were uncorroborated and it's context was purely political. As time passed corroborations to the same was spotty and additive. The result is myth to an ideology. Most of the northern account came from eyewitnesses. Nothing additive.
He wasn't a founding member. The actual founders actually voted him in and put him in at the highest position because of his status in the American Civil war. He was a member but it's not like he was actively seeking it out I believe. I think it just kind of happened. The klan was originally intended to be like the Freemasons just for the South and I think we know where it went from there.
Thank you for another outstanding episode!
I served for 30 years and have studied the Civil War extensively for a good 20 years. I absolutely believe Forrest was the best soldier created by the war.
Yes; he owned and traded slaves which was a horrendous practice but he also did a lot of good for the black community after the war. Without a doubt, he was a pragmatist.
Let’s keep in mind that many Union Soldiers were extremely racist. The fact is, the war was waged to maintain the Union and freeing the slaves (only in Confederate held states) was a political move. Look at the New York riots, comments made by Sherman and Grants General Order No. 11. Even Lincoln made it known that he thought the white race was superior to the black race.
My feeling is that the monuments and graves should be left alone.
I get what your saying. I was born in Memphis and raised just north east of there. To tell you the truth I'm glad they moved him from that God forsaken city.
@@stevenruark2930 I concur. He definitely deserved better. I believe that it’s unfair to judge 19th century men by 21st century standards; especially since many of people doing the judging are doing so using “woke” standards.
I agree with the attorney. Don'tdisrespect the burial sites of someone you disagree with, most times those people, if we are wise, are our greatest teachers.
I lived in Memphis 91-97 and I been to the park where Forrest statue stand, but today if you go there you got a good chance of getting shot, rob, are beat up in that area. SAD !!!
I enjoy and appreciate all the hard work y’all put in to present such vivid history that I just joined your channel. Thank you for your professionalism in the accurate retelling of the historical narratives as it does not go unnoticed.
Heaven forbid if we had generals such as Forest today instead of the milk toasts and pronoun correct wimps we have today.
True, the winners do, always write the history. And what they write, they teach the children.
Indoctrination is not teaching children.
@@lamontpearce170 I would think your statement to be obvious. Nonetheless, true.
Notice what else they teach you in schools every single year you reminded about the hollow cost. I wonder why they have to teach children about that every single year of their schooling. Along with the countless books and Hollywood movies it becomes ingrained in the culture and their people become never-ending victims to the point to where they can do anything to anybody. It's done to gain the world's pity and sympathy. In reality, it never happened does camps were built by the Soviets. And then the winners invented a bunch of war crimes and punish the losers
I love the way your present hisSTORY! Like A Jackson and C Columbus we should continue to look at historical figures in the context of their times!
Another great video! I've always been impressed by NBF. Growing up near Corinth, I've been to several battlefields where NBF served.
Second time through, rarely done on my part. Why do so many try to skew/embellish history when the basic documented facts are far better than retro type history? Very well done and sincere thanks.
MTSU did not change the name of Forrest Hall again. The erasing of our history is appalling.
IT'S CALLED HISTORY BECAUSE IT HAPPENED WE AND OR OTHERS JUST CANT CHANGE IT BECAUSE WE DISAGREE. 😊
I'm both impressed and grateful for your excellent presentations.
This guy is full of 💩 what are you talking about ? He calls someone being the head of the clue clock's clan that murdered innocent people controversial 😂 Mate you gotta get your history in a better place and actually listen to an authority on the subject matter and not just some dope on UA-cam making money off your stupidity
I'm a Southerner and grateful for that. I knew almost nothing of this great, flawed man. Lee was everything noble and true about the South. Nathan was everything strong, headstrong and defiant. Both were great men. Thank you
They should put all these removed statues on battlefields.
Excellent idea. I find the desire and attempts to erase the influential men who forged this nation into what it has become both ignorant and dangerous. Yes, the Confederate generals and political leaders were on the wrong side of history, defending a lost cause from the moment their homes chose to secede. But without the Civil War, the US wouldn't have become the nation we are. We can show respect to those men, even if they were in the wrong. If people choose to remove the monuments honoring Confederate leaders from courthouse lawns, government buildings, public parks, etc, then those monuments should absolutely be moved to national battlefields. Put Bedford Forrest's monument at Chickamauga / Chattanooga, Shiloh or Fort Donelson National Battlefield.
You do know the removed statues are those of traitors to the United States? But I guess that's why you want them and also because they represent a time of slavery and your ok with that .
What a wonderful idea!!!
They would if they had any sense, but they want a repeat.
I’ve often thought this was the logical answer of what to do with to these Civil war statues.
Thank you for sharing the thread of our national tapestry that NBF weaved into our shared history…
Once again, another great history lesson. Good work
Nathan Bedford Forrest was one of a kind, a true Southern hero, military genius, and genuine bad ass.
Thank you for your two videos about him. They were both well done. I do wish however you would have mentioned the number of black men that served in his command. It's my understanding that although most worked in support roles, many were combatants who fought alongside their fellow Confederate cavalrymen.
Yeah, that’s patently false buddy… none actually fought alongside their southern “brethren”.
Provide some legitimate sources and maybe I’ll be inclined to review them for authenticity.
I can guarantee you’ll be hard pressed. 🤣😂
@@LicardoDeBouseesissy
Damn right
Now how in the world would anybody say that they weren’t there !!!!! And it’s a well documented fact !!!! Like I said history doesn’t care what you like or don’t like and it’s a fact that the south took a little and whipped a lot !!!! You can only do that with good leadership and that’s a fact !!!!!
Now how in the world would anybody say that they weren’t there !!!!! And it’s a well documented fact !!!! Like I said history doesn’t care what you like or don’t like and it’s a fact that the south took a little and whipped a lot !!!! You can only do that with good leadership and that’s a fact !!!!!
Shelby Foote wrote a few books on General Forrest. I picked one up and could hardly put it down. It was so well written it felt like I was right there. He also does a few documentaries on Forrest. If you like this you will surely like Footes work.
I’ve been excited about this video for the past two weeks. Glad it’s here now.
I find these narrations of yours most enlivening of what many consider dry material. You give it a "living presence" to the events that many others often lack. These were and are, living people and dead people, whose lives shaped the destiny of the nation under the most dire and harshest of circumstances. Bad food, bad smells, terrible hygiene, little to no means of succor or support of the men in the field, and add on top of that, the most terrible type of warfare fought face to face, for what seemed like, endless years, going from one hot, dusty, or cold and freezing place to another.
I thank you sir and your fellows, in this effort.
Don
Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your work. You are second to none on this topic that i hold near and dear to my heart. My family fought in this conflict- 4th AL Cav-. Thank you for being honest and not sugar-coating and for being un-bias. I plan on becoming a loyalist very soon. Watching your videos is one of my highlights of my days off from work and i cant wait to be a loyalist and help you continue your passion. Sincerely Dylan Frederick.
Great show for a Southern hero!
Always a pleasure to hear Dr Wills speak on Forrest. His retirement will be a huge hole for lovers of history.
This is a most enjoyable and excellently done video. Forrest is such a unique, real to life individual and the way you threaded together the good the bad and the ugly was really well done. I have studied alot about forrest, you did his story justice. Thank you for your time and effort. And for not glossing over anything. I have been intentionally trying to preserve civil war history as much as I can and have found some stuff from his skirmish and locations. Those who don't remember the past are usually due to repeat it.
Bringing life to history with this excellent narration. Well done and well written.
Nathan Bedford Forrest need not make excuses for the choices he made based on his frame of reference and the environment from whence he came. RIP General Forrest no greater a warrior has ever been birthed in
the Home Of The Brave.
Excuses were made for him in the years following his time. He conducted the matters at hand as he saw fit to the circumstances.
Alumni N.B. Forrest H.S. 1968, Jacksonville, Fla.
Bad form to expel Forrest's tomb. How was that a unifying effort? It is easy to kick a dead lion.
Another tremendous documentary. Thanks.
Well done I appreciate your work
I am actually related to this man, my granfathers side of the family were formerly known as "The Bedfords" and it is still on his drivers license simply as a "B" however, somewhere along the line we changed our name to the "Chollars". We had a relative who was a Private in some army we went to see around 10 years ago, I was only 5 or so. His last name was Bedford and he was one of our confirmed relatives, Where was he from? Tennessee, who else was from there? General Bedford. He was the first ever Grand Wizard (which is actually extremely honorable as the KKK was formerly a lookout group who helped people before it turned for the worse) I don't know much more because I actually just learned this from my parents, however, it is extremely interesting to learn more about bedford and my family's history.
Proud to have 2 portraits of NBF in my home.
Now, about Fort Pillow, if the truth was known, which was known by several high ranking Northern Generals, there would be far less controversy. The price of cotton explains Fort Pillow. The question is, how many were benefiting from the $1.89 per pound. That is $47 per pound today.
If General Forrest was in charge at Chattanooga, he would have defeated the Northern Army.
No, but we would have had a tougher time of the matter. With much greater cost in lives and materiel.
No, his tunnel vision on the battle before him (Chickamauga) did not allow for a larger command than what history itself produced.
I believe this too. I don’t know what was wrong with Bragg. He seemed to always retreat when battles got tough. How did he allow the U.S.Troops come up a steep mountain with trees and boulders hampering their advance without having a heavy loss of men and equipment. I bet it baffled Grant too.
@@danielmccranie1754 The problem was never Bragg. The problem was Bragg's subordinates. Never in the entire war was there a command consisting of men so full of themselves in self promotion that undermining the army they were a part of wasn't even below them. Polk, Kirby, Smith, and Hood all failed in the field not because of Bragg's plans and orders, but because of failures caused by themselves.
The winners write the history
Yep, traitors zero The United States of America 1. Game over secret Trumpers.
Funny, because up to the last 50 years or so, the losers wrote their own version of history. It's called the Lost Cause, and we're well rid of it.
Who were the losers?
@@jamesscott6661 Those that thought they have the right to own people.
@@jackshaftoe1715The North also owned people, for they were the ship builders of the Colonies.
Read some history books, not crap off the internet. Local libraries have numerous books on the subject.
At the least an indestructible military presence. His life and exploits would have to my mind inspired such modern day military leaders as Patton, Rommel and Guderian to name a few. While traveling through the area I was surprised to encounter Forrest City Arkansas and wondered how it has maintained that identifier under assault by today’s revisionist culture. Thanks for your well narrated and informative podcast of Nathan Bedford Forrest. Looking forward to future podcasts.
@@justanavgguy7802 Rommel, I believe, did travel to the U.S to study CW tacticians…ie, Stonewall and Sherman…
You are awesome!!
Damn what a great ending line. Excellent story. Came here bc all the controversy and wow was my mind changed. Controversial or not what an incredible story of an imperfect human pursuing what he deemed correct despite what others thought. Love or despise, an absolute pivotal figure in our nations history
Will never understand how Bragg got a Fort named after him.
I guess for being such a famous North Carolinian army guy.
I agree! He’s undeserving.
He was one of the unions best generals that's how
He 2as a horrible Gen Bragg was a joke a bad one.
I knew a man who named his jackass after B.B. I ask him why he said because he's always running off and scared 🤣
Thanks!
My great great grandfather was a regimental commander under Forrest.
3:30 Bragg was informed that Forrest had left on a foray north, not by Forrest himself. Communication was always a major failure of Forrest's. Bragg was not wrong in his statement, Forrest and Wheeler proved unsupportive of the main Army in that being the eyes and ears they provided nothing of the sort for the campaign. Yet both men remained on good terms with one another. When Forrest asked for specific units in an independent command Bragg gave it to him along with a promotion befitting the area of control of his new command.
Bragg wasn't a good Field Marshall. He got his appointment because Jefferson Davis practiced protocol strenuously. Bragg being Senior General in the western theater after the death of General Beauregard at Shiloh was next in line even though he was mainly just a paper pusher. Tactics weren't a strong suit for Bragg. Something that would lead the south to defeat ultimately in the west. If anyone's to blame it's Jefferson Davis. It's surprising somewhat General Lee didn't tell Davis he wanted someone else to command the western theater. Perhaps even Nathan Bedford Forrest who Lee recognized as a brilliant strategist and tactician. It's understandable Forrest disliked Bragg. The two men were polar opposites of one another in just about every way that there is to be.
Every body hates Bragg .
Beauregard was not killed at Shiloh. He died of natural causes decades later.
Beauregard didn't die at Shiloh, he survived the War. Albert Sidney Johnston is who was hit behind the knee and bledout. And yeah Bragg was like Joseph E. Johnston,always a crawlfishing instead of plowing into the bluebellies like Gen. Robert E. Lee( don't call him Bobby). DEO VINDICE
@@carywest9256 Yes I realized I named the wrong General after I posted. I wasn't going to delete the whole thing just because of it however. There isn't a good way of making corrections on these sites unfortunately. I wondered how long it would take for someone to pick up on the mistake. Took longer then I thought it would actually. I don't guess we have to many history buffs out there.
4:49 The Cowen account was disproven as pure myth. Cowen (a cousin) made up this story after Forrest, had passed away. Cowen himself was the only eyewitness to the event, saying only Jefferson Davis, Bragg, Forrest, and himself were present at Forrest's insubordinate display. The truth is Davis was confirmed to be somewhere else hundreds and if not a thousand miles away. This event first appeared in Wyeth's first edition of his book on Forrest as Cowen provided it to him. But after some investigation Wyeth found it to be a falsehood and removed this account from the second edition of his book.
I love history, this is one of the best things on social media.
Ft. Pillow? Tough shit! They should have known better😡 They refused to surrender? Then that's what should've occurred!
2:20 The reason none of Braxton Bragg's men were in the area was because Forrest was the advanced screening force. Bragg's men were marching not riding. Only forced marches could close the gap and the Army of Rosecrans would simply do the same with a forced march. It was Polk (friend of Jefferson Davis that refused to strike camp and pursue at Bragg's orders. Polk quote to Bragg: "Do tell General Bragg that my heart is overflowing with anxiety for the attack--- overflowing with anxiety sir") Longstreet was nowhere near the area as his Corps was a day plus away. Again Forrest's commentary is just a viewpoint from his perspective, he did not possess the overall picture of the battle.
As a 22 year veteran. I can not believe that all forts with confederate names were changed.
The south had heros also. They fought for what they thought was right.
We can not change history by tying to hide it. We must know history to move to the future.
I say keep the statues and place a different on that shows the other side next to it.
Forest was a true hero for the south. Even without almost no education. Out wit his enemy. With smaller forces. Won so many battles. With no fear and plans that only a genius could do.
All that said the drawback from being the Grand Wizard of the KKK. Has been his down fall for recognition. Also the empire he made with slave trading.
But that was how it was at that time. Not saying it was right. Just saying that was how it was.
I for one call him one of the greatest military men that ever lived. And should be recognized for that.
Excellent presentation.
You are a dedicated professional.
Looking forward to many more.
I wish Gen. Forrest was in the N.N.V with Gen, R.Lee
DEO VINDICE
Excellent content! Simply fantastic!❤
This was so good! Thank you
Thank you for this! I am a direct descendant of General Forrest my name is William Forrest I assume after his son and my father's name was Jeffery. Appreciate your approach with this
Superb .... Interest, informative and somewhat disconcerting in many respects 😊
Thank you! Keep it up!
After hearing Forest's encounter with Bragg i am now convinced Fort Braggs name change was warrented.
War is hell and all the casualties were earned. Sherman’s shenanigans were no better. If Sherman were alive today and needed any sort of assistance in any way he certainly wouldn’t receive it from me.
Those were fascinating episodes. And John Brown next: excellent news!
It's interesting how many times Forrest became angry at what he perceived as foolish decisions of superiors, only to be proved correct in the aftermath.
Excellent as always. We need PGT Beauregard next!
Thanks for this rare pleasure
Wonderful wonderful presentation.
I wish you would've been my History Teacher from Elementary School to Graduation!!!
Great general should not be removed. General Sherman had more atrocities in South Carolina where they surrendered.
True
One badass patriot.
I'm thinking you never learned to read. The word you are looking for there is TRAITOR ! Oh and if you dont like it go back to Scotland or was it Ireland ?
Yes he was! Should have been in command of all calvary forces in the west.
@@ericcrawford3453 As per usual, it would have made no difference. Just woulda took longer.
A traitor to the United states and founder of the Klan, yep a true patriot to slave holders, guess we know who you voted for and party you follow.
@@jackshaftoe1715 true
Exceptional report as always
So was Washington, Jefferson, etc. Never lest We forget Ufl ever
The bust of Forrest has been moved to the Tennessee Sate Museum
Very well done
Memphis sounds really sophisticated and healthy. I bet it's really nice with low crime and pretty neighborhoods.
A Canadian, , yet I agree.. War is Hell. .If we did not Love it so much we must abhor ut .
I wish to make it clear that whether Forrest formed the KKK he certainly dissolved it in a Memphis hotel cant remember the date but it was many years after the war. I certainly hope you make it apparent that the original KKK was dissolved in root and bough that day by Forrest.
Nice work
God bless the SCV for saving history.
I have read that Forrest after meeting with Bragg. Stood outside Braggs tent and yelled for Bragg to come out for a duel. Bragg would not come out
You cannot erase history. There was great men on both sides who died for what they believed in they were all Americans. God bless all there Souls. Let there be Peace in this World.
I enjoyed this, but must take issue with your characterization of Forrest as "a traitor." I don't think that's fair. The Confederacy was as open and honest an attempt to create a new nation as The American Revolution had been, the difference being that The American Revolution succeeded while The War of Southern Rebellion failed. Do you have any doubt that if The American Revolution had failed, its leaders would have been labeled, however unjustly, traitors by the British?
And in neither case is it a just assessment. A traitor, the classic example being Kim Philby, works from within, stealthily, to undermine the government of his nation.
There is a huge moral difference between an honest rebel and a traitor.
I believe you're referring to a section where he was described as a slave owner and TRADER. He was in fact a slave trader before the war. It did sound like traitor and it took me a moment to realize what he really meant. Because of the similarity of the words he should have said it as "slave owner and slave trader" not just trader.
@@horton12545 I don't think so. I like the fellow. I enjoy listening to him. But I'd bet my life he said, and meant, "traitor."
Please read “The South was Right”, it was called The 2nd American Revolution. Now I fear we’re heading for the 3rd American Revolution. We sure need the Spirit of General Nathan Bedford Forest
You are right! The South was right in 1861 because their grandfathers were right in 1776. Secession was more legitimate in 1861 because they were sovereign States and not subjects as they were in 1776.
@@brycewade8791 No, secession is not mentioned in the constitution. But unilateral secession is not possible. In this country for any measure to pass it must undergo approval of the legislature. That is a bill would be put before Congress then voted upon for that secession be adopted to an Amendment.
Joining the Union wasn’t meant to be jumping over the broom your in, jumping over the broom your out. There was real concern if the situation got tough States would leave in fear, leaving the remaining States to hang.
The question of secession was not a new one. The sovereignty of states, and their permanence in the Union, was a constant question. Al Mackey lists out several Supreme Court cases that used the intent for a perpetual Union in their decisions:
Madison, the chief author of the Constitution, certainly understood what he was creating. Madison repeatedly explained unilateral secession wasn't possible. When trying to get the states to ratify the Constitution, New York asked for a secession clause after a number of years. Hamilton wrote to Madison about it. This was Madison's response:
"Yours of yesterday is this instant come to hand & I have but a few minutes to answer it. I am sorry that your situation obliges you to listen to propositions of the nature you describe. My opinion is that a reservation of a right to withdraw if amendments be not decided on under the form of the Constitution within a certain time, is a conditional ratification, that it does not make New York a member of the New Union, and consequently that she could not be received on that plan. Compacts must be reciprocal, this principle would not in such a case be preserved. The Constitution requires an adoption in toto, and forever. It has been so adopted by the other States. An adoption for a limited time would be as defective as an adoption of some of the articles only. In short any condition whatever must viciate the ratification. What the New Congress by virtue of the power to admit new States, may be able & disposed to do in such case, I do not enquire as I suppose that is not the material point at present. I have not a moment to add more than my fervent wishes for your success & happiness.
"This idea of reserving right to withdraw was started at Richmond & considered as a conditional ratification which was itself considered as worse than a rejection." -James Madison to Hamilton, July 20, 1788
Forrest was a singular entity in the Civil War. Smart people from all walks of military life, read about him, his tactics, and most importantly his combining of those elements with his fevered aggression. Numbers did not really matter to him. He was able to apply aggression and adjustments to tactics to compensate for facing superior numbers. The rewriting of history by those that are ignorant of it is a sad fact of this country at this point. Forrest was someone to respect in terms of military genius, as well as someone to regard with an equal amount of contempt for many of his actions with regard to his treatment of those from different racial groups.
Numbers did matter to him. He avoided fights without advantage of numbers or equalizing terrain. "Fustest with the mostest." The revisionism of Civil War events started in 1866 and continues today in the Lost Cause Ideology. His military genius is simply basic in nature but multiplied the perfect conditions of the area of the command.
Forrest had all the advantages and no of the disadvantages of a typical command. You could take any Tom Dick or Harry that was a rich braggart and put him in the same scenario and succeed. 1) Operate in a vast friendly area that readily provided supplies, intelligence reports, and recruits. 2) Attack small groups to gain military supplies. 3) Ignore orders from superiors, refuse to communicate with peers or other commands nearby. Take soldiers from other commands as your own.
@scottgoens7575 I will concede certain elements, but I will respectfully disagree on others. Forrest fought against superior numbers many times, with great success. He may have been a braggart, but his success not only in winning battles, but in the mental battle can not be understated. Just because someone is a braggart, does not mean they are incapable. Forrest lived rent free in many military leaders, on both sides, causing those leaders to second guess, rush, and in some cases make poor tactical decisions, allowing emotions to get the better of them.
@@amandragoran anytime Forrest fought superior numbers he had logistical advantage. This is directly related to the vastness of the friendly territory and intelligence he gained from its citizens.
For example, the battle of Brice's Crossroads. Sturgis set out under supplied and on half rations for his men. The roads to Tupelo were wet and sloppy due to six sequential days of rain, which slowed the advance of the supply wagons and ammunition train. Several companies of men were detailed to try to make the roads passable. Additionally, the horses pulling the trains were poorly fed because there had been little in the way of forage for them to eat along the way. Many of them were shot as the arduous axle deep mud was too much for them.
Secondly, both Grant and Sherman knew if Forrest was given a choice he would always go after the weakest raiding force leaving him occupied away from federal operations. The success of major Federal operations was to keep the garrisons of the supply line free of Forrest.
As for Forrest's character it cannot be denied he was a braggart, bully, and a quick fused individual who found fault in everyone but himself. That is well documented.
His leadership faults are also well documented. 1)His own brutality to his own men. 2) His acerbic relationship with his peers in command. 3) He was promoted beyond his capabilities.
The above reasons are exactly why he was given independent command.
Mosby lived rent free as well. Moseby did more with less in a small area with actual leaderships skills. The Myth of Forrest makes him, " ten foot tall and shooting lightning bolts out of his ass" in today's historiography. He has certainly has been over exaggerated in all aspects of his military endeavors. How was that possible? Forrest was allowed to write without corroboration a flattering portrayal of himself in which others gladly climbed aboard that adulation train as time passed.
@scottgoens7575 One might acrually look at what you are saying through a different lens. He tooktaegets many times, that guaranteed a victory, or at rhw least, enough bloodshed to the enemy to make it worth the losses that may have been suffered. Many leaders, frear and not so great exhibit their flaws openly. Forrest was abusive as a leader - well documented. Forrest was a bragbox that thought he walked on water - again, well documented. The other side was the victories kept coming in spite of his flaws. Choosing to take smaller dorces that assured the win is intelligent, it shows different ways of thinking. Not every tactical wunderkind was a wunderkind because they fought impossible odds and won. Somebare just smart enough to keep winning by choosing the right battles and tactics and locations. There are several other leaders from the Civil War that won the mental battles that go on behind the lines, resulting in those mental victories translating to overall victories on the field. Forrest was just a character, and for the South, he was someone that "stuck it to the yankees" enough to gain notoriety on both sides of the line. We will likely disagree on many things in life, this is one of them. Based upon my upbringing, reading as much as I have and listening to historical pieces from folks like Colin, Forrest was a hard man, and a caricature that was made larger than life because of his military exploits. He was viewed much the same way that favorite generals were in WWII, or any other wars this country fought in. In the South, he was revered for the most part, and viewed in many cases with awe tinged with humor. In the North, he was viewed as an egotistical, evil, opportunist that was quite lucky. Personally, I think he was a blueprint for success in many ways, as well as a blueprint for self destruction. He could have done much more, but several others did much less.
Nice discussion BTW, most people degenerate into insults after one post, I appreciate literate, differing points of view!
@@amandragoran The bottom line is that Forrest in all aspects has been exaggerated by historiography beyond his actual impact.
Those that worship the Forrest idol refuse to see is that it was Wheeler that was referred to more often or first when it came to raiders. Specific reference to specific commanders concerning raiders wasn't focused just on Forrest. Forrest had a big hand at tooting his own exploits, with exaggerations...
Even after.losing the war I believe that leaders of the south should still be looked at as heroes. They fought for what they believed in and after all they were still Americans!! Some are really great soldiers and leaders . We could learn from them.
Thank you for this fair account of Nathan Bedford Forrest. To hell with the men of today, who aren't even a shred of the man that was General Forest. R.I.P. General
He should have been with Lee instead of Longstreet.
We have roads in Dallas named after a pimp Malcom X
I absolutely loved this story. Thanks from New Zealand. We all need to stop judging yesterday's men by today's laws. Example. Was Jesus a racist for telling the good Samaritan story. Definitely.
Id love to see you cover the true reasons the civil war was fought. Slavery had little to do with it and slavery in the south was not as wide spread as depicted in movies. The encroachment of states rights and tyranny were much more important factors. Had anyone ever wondered when America stopped honoring the constitution. Or how about the year country was incorporated and turned in a business. True history is fascinating.
Why didnt you report his religious conversation. Accepted christ as his saviour.
Excellent!!
R.I.P. BEDFORD A MAN AMONG MEN
Thank youz , all Although I cannot contribute, I remain dedicatted l
Thank you for the education yery useful
Not a Bedford Forrest fan, but enjoyed this even-handed video.
I admire fine generals on both sides. I do not agree with the removal of honored statues, on both sides. I am glad we had slavery ended, but when we unite we are twice as bad ass. Glory to the USA troops no matter their color,or creed. Glad to be American!
When will we learn to take people as a product of their time and learn from our past!
People say NBF was a war criminal for the Fort Pillow incident... yet... consider Sherman's Georgia Howl not a big deal.
Sherman was a fire bug & is probably barking in hell!!!