The Vicksburg Campaign"Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket." - A. Lincoln "Vicksburg is the nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." - J. Davis Many people have looked over the chapter list for "20 Decisive Battles" and challenged some of the "selections." Such as why did the authors choose the Battle of the Metaurus in the 2nd Punic War, instead of the much larger Cannae, or the more well-known "final" battle at Zama? And, for the same reasons, how could they choose Vicksburg as the single most important campaign of the American Civil War over the larger, better known Gettysburg, or the final round-up that lead to Appomattox? The answer to all these questions is the book's focus on DECISIVE battles...on key actions which made all the difference to the final outcome, even if years away from the end.
By that standard, Vicksburg is an easy choice... as the words of both presidents indicate. Vicksburg was the key. Holding it meant "holding the South together," with access to all the Confederacy's western men, food, horses, supplies... and Mexican ports. Holding it also meant the Mississippi River could not be used by the Union for transporting troops, supplies, and exported goods from the Midwest. The longer Vicksburg stood, the more would farmers and businesses in half the country be hurt by the war. Can you, as the Federal forces, match U.S. Grant's finest campaign? He crossed a river, marched without supply lines and won five battles, captured and sacked a state capital, and then lay siege and captured one of the best-defended spots on earth. Can you, commanding the theater forces for the Confederacy gather your scattered troops and disjointed commands and create a force strong enough to launch powerful attacks? Can you punish Grant for his audacity? Can you make it appear that Pemberton and Johnston are fighting for the same side?
You decide, in this great new game from veteran designer Paul Rohrbaugh. The entire sweep and scope of the campaign is included, from Grant's Crossing at Bruinsburg to the finale (or not). Interesting side stories are also part of the picture, like Grierson's Raid, the ironclad CSS Arkansas, and "that devil Forrest" and his part--or not-- in the grand campaign.
The Vicksburg Campaign includes:Map: Full color, 11” x 17” mounted mapboardPieces: 140 full color, die-cut counters Rulesbook: 12 pages Charts and Displays: One player aid chart Skill Level: Medium Designer: Paul Rohrbaugh Vicksburg was the key. Can you put that key in your pocket or deny it to the enemy? |
Download the latest rules in PDF format Email us your questions and comments Visit our game support folder on Consimworld About the Designer: Paul Rohrbaugh lives and works in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, Ohio. He has been a teacher for Teacher Corps, taught 7th and 8th grade history, served as a librarian, professor of education at YSU, as well as game designer and author. He’s also served as developer of several games published in Against the Odds Magazine. Paul earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in history, as well as Master degrees in education and library science from YSU and KSU. He’s also been awarded two Charles S. Roberts Awards for games he’s designed or developed for ATO. In 2011 Paul debuted as a game publisher with his line High Flying Dice Games. |
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In 1964, historian Lt. Col. Joseph B. Mitchell published a compact book, Twenty Decisive Battles of the World, an expansion of Sir Edward Creasy's most famous work from a hundred years past, updating it into the 20th Century.
Turning Point Simulations (TPS), a division of LPS Inc, examines these 20 battles with a new series of boxed wargames. These games emphasize accessibility and playability, and come with hard-mounted maps and mounted, die-cut counters. Each battle is presented in a design of low complexity, but high challenge, from some of the industry's top designers.
And be sure to check out our sister publication Against the Odds!
While TPS games focus on the decisive battles across time, Against the Odds magazine investigates all of military history from a broad perspective. The economic, political, religious and social aspects of warfare are examined in concert with events on the battlefield. Get yourself truly "connected" with games and gaming by subscribing to Against the Odds! Learn more...
