The Battle of Shiloh, fought in April 1862 in western Tennessee, marked one of the first major engagements in the Western Theater. Confederate forces launched a surprise attack on the Union camp near Pittsburg Landing, momentarily pushing Union lines back and inflicting heavy casualties. However, resilient Union reinforcements stabilized the situation and slowly forced the Confederates into retreat. This battle highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict and signaled that the war would be lengthy and costly. The high toll of life on both sides stirred public perceptions and military strategies, ultimately reinforcing the need for better preparation and more coordinated campaigns throughout the conflict.