The Battle of West Tennessee refers to a series of military engagements during the American Civil War, primarily occurring in 1862. This conflict involved Union forces aiming to secure control over the strategic waterways and railroads in the region, which were vital for supply and troop movement. Key battles included the Battle of Memphis and the Battle of Shiloh, where Union troops faced off against Confederate forces. The Union's success in these battles helped to weaken the Confederate hold on the Mississippi River and opened the way for further advances into the South. The campaign was significant in establishing Union dominance in the western theater of the war, contributing to the overall strategy of dividing the Confederacy.