This study investigates the decisive factors that affected the Confederate command during the Fort Henry-Fort Donelson campaign in February 1862. The thesis is relevant not only to the study of history, but as a series of lessons for senior leaders today. In the final analysis, the ultimate failure of the Confederates during the campaign can be attributed directly to Albert Sidney Johnston. As the department commander he failed to develop an adequate strategy to meet the invasion of Grant's army or to insure that each subordinate command was prepared. Most damaging of all, Johnston neglected the defenses of the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, which were the key invasion routes into his department. Johnston also errred badly in his selection of a commander for the beleaguered garrison of Fort Donelson. John B. Floyd's ineptitude and dishonorable acts sealed the fort's fate and assured victory for the North.