April 6 in Military History — On This Day

Battle of Shiloh

Confederate forces launched a surprise dawn attack on Grant's forces near Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. After a brutal first day, Union reinforcements arrived overnight and Grant counterattacked, driving the Confederates back.

One of the bloodiest battles to that point. Confederate General A.S. Johnston was killed — the highest-ranking officer killed in the war. Grant's reputation nearly collapsed before Lincoln famously said 'I can't spare this man — he fights.'

Full battle details →

⚔️📍 Washington D.C., USA1917

United States Declares War on Germany

President Woodrow Wilson signed the declaration of war against Germany after Congress voted 82-6 in the Senate and 373-50 in the House. Wilson had won re-election on the slogan 'He kept us out of war' just five months earlier.

American entry into WWI provided the fresh troops and industrial capacity that tipped the balance against Germany and transformed the United States into a global military power.

Outcome

U.S. enters WWI; 2 million American troops sent to France