Why was the Battle of Shiloh fought?
Check out the source links I used. Some great information there. After the fall of Forts Henry and Donnelson on the Mississippi River, the Union General Grant decided to move into the heart of the South by means of the Tennessee River. Their objective was to cut the Memphis-Charleston Railroad line that was a main supply route in the Confederacy. Grant proceeded down the Tennessee River until he reached the portion near Florence, AL, which was too shallow and rocky to pass. He choose to setup camp at Shiloh(aka Pittsburg Landing). As a result of the Battle of Shiloh, Grant was able to continue his drive down to Corinth, MS, and take control of the Memphis-Charleston Railroad. With this firmly in Union control, he could continue his drive down the Mississippi River and lay a siege on Vicksburg.
