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Today in History: Union Forces Face Heavy Losses at Fredericksburg

12/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 13, 1862, during the American Civil War, Union forces led by General Ambrose Burnside launched futile frontal assaults against entrenched Confederate positions at the Battle of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The attacks resulted in heavy Union casualties, more than double those of the Confederates, marking the battle as one of the war's most lopsided confrontations.

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Story summary

On December 13, 1862, during the American Civil War, Union forces led by General Ambrose Burnside launched futile frontal assaults against entrenched Confederate positions at the Battle of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The attacks resulted in heavy Union casualties, more than double those of the Confederates, marking the battle as one of the war's most lopsided confrontations.