Naval War College

Bragg's Invasion of Kentucky Naval War College

General Braxton Bragg's campaign to invade Kentucky in 1862 is critically examined from a campaign planning perspective. Lessons learned are related to today's campaign planning. After a summary of the situation leading to the invasion, the factors and events leading Bragg through the unsuccessful conclusion are studied. The analysis of the campaign shows four major mistakes in the campaign planning. First, Bragg was not provided with strategic guidance from the government at Richmond. Next, Bragg failed to establish unity of command over the forces with which he planned to execute his invasion. Third, Bragg failed to choose the proper objectives for the troops he had available. He failed to correlate the means to the anticipated ends. And finally, Bragg failed to make his supporting armies follow or conform to his plan. His subordinate, General Kirby Smith, forced Bragg to make changes in the campaign plan as a result of Smith's independent actions.