Understanding the Trichromatic Theory of Color Vision

Understanding the Trichromatic Theory of Color Vision Theories Cognitive Psychology Print The Trichromatic Theory of Color Vision By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 22, 2017 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 16, 2020 Tetra Images / Getty Images More in Theories Cognitive Psychology Behavioral Psychology Developmental Psychology Personality Psychology Social Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology According to the trichromatic theory of color vision, also known as the Young-Helmholtz theory of color vision, there are three receptors in the retina that are responsible for the perception of color. How This Process Works One receptor is sensitive to the color green, another to the color blue, and a third to the color red. The combinations of these three colors produce all of the colors that we are capable of perceiving. Researchers suggest that people are able to distinguish between as many as seven million different colors. Photoreceptors also tend to have different sensitivity levels. Blue receptors are the most sensitive and red the least, however, the ability to perceive color requires interaction between at least two types of photoreceptors. These three colors can then be combined to form any visible color in the spectrum. Background of Trichromatic Theory Color is a pervasive part of our visual experience. It can influence our moods, affect how we interpret things about the world, and even carry symbolic meaning. But what exactly explains our experience of color? A number of theories have emerged to explain this phenomenon, and one of the earliest and best-known was the trichromatic theory. Renowned researchers Thomas Young and Hermann von Helmholtz contributed to the trichromatic theory of color vision. The theory began when Thomas Young proposed that color vision results from the actions of three different receptors. As early as 1802, Young suggested that the eye contained different photoreceptor cells that were sensitive to different wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum. It was later in the mid-1800s that researcher Hermann von Helmholtz expanded upon Youngs original theory and suggested that the cone receptors of the eye were either short-wavelength (blue), medium-wavelength (green), or long-wavelength (red). He also proposed that it was the strength of the signals detected by the receptor cells that determined how the brain interpreted color in the environment. Helmholtz discovered that people with normal color vision need three wavelengths of light to create different colors through a series of experiments. Helmholtz used color-matching experiments where participants would alter the amounts of three different wavelengths of light to match a test color.Participants could not match the colors if they used only two wavelengths but could match any color in the spectrum if they used three.The theory became known as the Young-Helmholtz theory of color vision. Color Receptors The identification of the three receptors responsible for color vision did not occur until more than 70 years after the proposal of the theory of trichromatic vision. Researchers discovered that cone pigments have different levels of absorption. Cones are receptors located in the retina, and they are responsible for the  vision of both color and detail. The cone receptors differ in absorption amounts due to the amount of opsin amino acids in the receptor. 3 Different Cone Receptors Short-wavelength cone receptorsMiddle-wavelength cone receptorsLong-wavelength cone receptors The perception of color by the brain requires input from at least two different types of cones. The brain must interpret information about both the wavelength and the intensity of the incoming stimulation. By comparing the input from each cone that has been stimulated, the brain can interpret the color of the source of that stimulation. Trichromatic Theory and Opponent Process Theory In the past, the trichromatic theory was often presented as competing with the opponent-process theory for dominance in explaining color vision. Today, it is believed that both theories can be used to explain how the color vision system operates and that each theory applies to a different level of the visual process. The trichromatic theory explains how color vision works at the receptor level.Opponent process theory, on the other hand, offers an  explanation for how it operates at the neural level. A Word From Verywell Color vision and perception is a complex process that involves the eyes and brain. The trichromatic theory explains one part of this process, focusing on the photoreceptors in the eye that then send signals to the brain. Learning more about this aspect of color vision is an important part of understanding how we perceive things about the world that make up our visual experience.

Language And Gender Of The Workplace - 842 Words

Language and Gender in the Workplace The most common form of verbal communication is language. The continuous changing world, along with culture, often times controls how language develops and is used individually. The gender of a person may also amount to how language is used differently. To establish a common ground in word terminology, gender defines the social construct and expectations, not the biological differences, in humans (sex). Language and gender play vital roles in the workplace. By nature, men and women are different. However, when language is involved, men and women use different vocabulary to get their message across to others. â€Å"In a study involving a role-playing investigation, women used more intensive adverbs†¦ than men when communicating† (Knight 116). Women often times do use expressive and eloquent vocabulary, while men use straightforward words to deliver their message. For instance, rather than using â€Å"good† to describe someoneâ₠¬â„¢s performance, women might use â€Å"extraordinary, brilliant†. Vocabulary used by men tends to be vague and impassive. An emotion filled vocabulary is another element that furthermore exhibits how men and women communicate distinctively. By all means, women risk losing their credibility by being emotional in the workplace. They are frowned upon and seen as unsuited for the job. For example, some businesswomen may want to help others feel enthusiastic about a project by using emotion filled words and yet the reaction they getShow MoreRelatedBody Language and Gender Communications Essay732 Words   |  3 PagesBody Language and Gender Communication in the Workplace Ella Sue Duty Everest University MAR 2305-Week 4 Professor Walker Body Language and Gender Communication in the Workplace Body Language Facial expressions, head movements, body posture and actions, clothing, mannerisms and personality behaviors are signs of body language. Positive body language in the workplace helps others to perceive you as honest and open to ideas. 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By utilising these methods of communication I can successfully organise my responsibilities in the workplace environment and maintain workplace cohesion with my co-workers and employers. As a museum curator the ability to communicate professionally will be absolutely necessary in order to maintain an organised workplace. In order to ensure that communication in the workplace functions to optimal capacity organisation of communicative channels and division of responsibilities is fundamentalRead MoreOvercoming Obstacles in a Diverse Workplace1241 Words   |  5 PagesDiversity in the workplace is not a new idea or concept. From the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s the majority of people living in the United States were immigrants from other countries including Italy, Russia, and Ireland. Each of the members from these countries spoke different languages, came from different cultures, and had different customs and work ethics. Acceptance to them was fought for in the workplace in industries such as coal, steel, automobile manufacturing, and other labor forces

Essay about Cancer - 1518 Words

Cancer Right now, cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world. In the early 1990s almost 6 million new cancer cases developed and more than 4 million deaths from cancers occurred. Also more than one-fifth of all deaths were caused by cancer and it has been predicted, by the American Cancer Society, that about 33% of Americans will eventually develop this disease. This is a huge disease that is killing people all over the world. The field of cancer study is called Oncology. The government has spent billions of dollars on research of this fatal disease. Cancer is the most aggressive disease of a larger class known as neoplasms. Neoplasms do not fully comply with the parts of the cell that control the growth†¦show more content†¦Any agent that causes cancer is called a carcinogen. Carcinogens are generally classified into three groups- chemical, biological, and physical. Chemicals that cause cancer have many different molecular structures and can be just about any type of c hemical. Some substances that cause cancer are complex chemicals and gases, certain metals, drugs, hormones, substances in molds and plants and many more. Many nitrosamines, or simple organic oxides of nitrogen, are carcinogenic. That and hydrocarbons are carcinogens in cigarette smoke and increase the risk of lung cancer. Also another chemical gas, vinyl chloride, gas has been found to be an agent of sarcoma of the blood vessels in the liver. Many drugs as well as alkylating agents used to treat cancer are carcinogenic. Even though these chemicals break the DNA of cancerous cells, which kills them, it also induces cancer in normal cells. Some hormones created in humans can also cause cancer. High levels of estrogen, which is marked as a female hormone, can increase the chances of getting a cancer of the uterus (in women). Aflatoxin B is a substance produced by the mold Aspergillus that causes a number of cancer, but generally liver cancer. Many carcinogens have not been discovered but research is being done to discover other carcinogens to keep people aware and safe. There are also many different biological agents which cause cancers. The mostShow MoreRelatedCancer : Cancer And Cancer1673 Words   |  7 PagesCancer Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases in 2012.2 The amount of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades. Cancer which causes nearly 1 in 6 deaths, is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. 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The previous researches were claiming that ovarian cancer comes from ovary cells. However, studies have found that ovarian cancer could be coming from fallopian tube. Dr. Burdette’s lab researched how fallopian tube can be contributing to ovarian cancer, and her research shows strong evidence of how does it occurs. It is very important to find a cure for ovarian cancer, otherwise deaths due to ovarian cancerRead MoreBreast Cancer : Cancer And Cancer1115 Words   |  5 Pagesaround the world develops the most common disease called Breast Cancer. In the United States, about 200,000 women suffer from this disease and it causes more than 40,000 death each year. Breast cancer is a cancer cell (malignant tumor) that forms in the breast. The cancerou s cells grow in the breast and then invade the healthy cells and the surrounding tissues of the breast and it can also spread into other parts of the body. Breast cancer is more common in women but men can also get it too. 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Cancer is uncontrolled cell division due to genetic changes that interfere the cell cycle and activate cell division. The cancer start in any part of the human body, such as in blood, lung, and colon. Cancers are different in the ways they spread and grow. Cancers types have its own characteristics. The general characteristics of Cancers are they work in the absence of growth factors, make their own growth factors, don’t respond to the signal

Life of a Teenager Free Essays

The life of a teenager is wild, and young and free. You can do whatever you want. You can have your crushes if you want or either a boyfriend, a good and understanding boyfriend. We will write a custom essay sample on Life of a Teenager or any similar topic only for you Order Now But take note, that you must know your limitations. You can happy as happy as you want and you can be as sad as you want. You can decide what can of life you want to live in. Being a teenager is the happiest part of your life. This is the stage of your life, which is exciting and fun. You can also have many experiences in this stage. Also, beware because temptations might happen here. You must choose a good friend, to avoid dilequenc y and problems. Choose a boyfriend who is good, and not a sex addict, because if he is a sex addict you might have a chance to be pregnant. And if that would happen your future might be broken. There is also a case that you will undergo or commit abortion, without thinking the baby’s good. You are thinking y your self. It might also happen that the person who made you pregnant will go to other places, just to hide from you, because he is not ready for the responsibility. Being a mother or father in young age is a great challenge, because you are not yet ready to take that responsibility. But you can’t give your back on it. Remember responsibility is always been a responsibility. Be aware, temptations might be at your back, following you. How to cite Life of a Teenager, Essays

The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864) Essays

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864) The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864) Type of Work: Impressionistic fiction Setting Boston, Massachusetts; seventeenth century Principal Characters Hester Prynne, a condemned adulteress Pearl, her daughter Arthitr Dimmesdale, one of the community's ministers Rodger Chillingsworth, Hester's estranged husband (his assumed name) Story Overveiw Condemned to wear a bright red "A" over her breast wherever she went, Hester Prynne had been convicted of adultery by Boston's Puritan leaders; a child had been born to her during her husband's long absence. Emerging from the prisonhouse under the gaze of her neighbors, Hester surprised the townsfolk with her air of aloof and silent dignity Led to the town square, she ascended a scaffold, her babe cradled in her arms. There on the scaffold she suffered scorn and public admonishment. One "good woman" loud ly decried the elaborate letter Hester had embroidered into her frock: blazing scarlet, ornately fashioned and bordered with prominent gold stitching - the requisite token of her deed. A minister in the crowd denounced her crime and called on her to reveal the identity of her partner. Another minister, Arthur Dimmesdale, pled with her more gently. He, in compassion, also begged her to unmask her lover. Unknown to the multitude, however, Dimmesdale himself was that lover; his gentle prodding was in fact a distraught and convoluted effort to urge a confession from Hester which he knew she would never make-and which he could not find the courage to make for himself. From her place on the pulpit, Hester's eyes met with those of a hunched, wrinkled man in the crowd, a stranger in the town but well known to her. He was Hester's husband, a scholar and a physician of sorts, who had spent years away, exploring the western wilderness. Now he had reappeared under the name of "Roger Chillingsworth." Visiting Hester in her prison cell later that day, Chillingsworth expressed his rage that she should betray him and made her swear not to expose him as her husband. Furthermore, he vowed that he would discover the identity of his wife's lover. Finally released, the adulteress took up residence in a lonely cottage by the sea. Her chief employment, for which she demonstrated a prodigious talent, was sewing. She managed to win the business of nearly everyone in the community. Still, despite the acceptance she won as a seamstress, Hester was forced to bear social ostracism: children jeered as she passed, other women avoided her, and clergymen pointed to her as a living example of the consequences of sin. Rumors circulated that she was a witch, and that the scarlet letter she bore on her clothing glowed a deep blood red in the dark. Still Hester withstood this abuse without complaint. Hester felt much more concern for her daughter, Pearl, than for herself. She cringed when the illegitimate girl was pushed aside by other children. In contrast to Hester's remarkable dignity, Pearl displayed a wild, undisciplined character, seemingly incapable of natural affection. The governor of Boston and all the clergy publicly proclaimed their doubts that the spritelike, curious child could develop the capacity to enter Christian society. Even more tragically, the townspeople looked on Pearl as a kind of evil spirit - the perverse offspring from a moment of unholy passion. Even Hester little understood her daughter, who served at once as both a comfort and a painful reminder of her past. In the meantime, Roger Chillingsworth had taken lodgings with Minister Dimmesdale. Chillingsworth immediately suspected that the clergyman had been his wife's once-guilty partner in lust, and, posing as a true friend, he managed, over the course of months, to wring his roommate's conscience with subtle hints and comments about the dire strait of hypocrites in the eyes of God. Soon it became clear that Dimmesdale was indeed Hester's lover; but, rather than expose him then, Chillingsworth chose to continue torturing the preacher's moral sanity. Dimmesdale's sense of guilt grew, ultimately causing his health to wane. He took to holding his hand over his heart, as if he felt some deep pain. Yet he failed to recognize the treachery being perpetrated on him, blaming only himself for his growing infirmity. To make matters worse, the weaker and more guilt-ridden Dimmesdale became, the holier he appeared to his congregation, whose members regarded him as unequaled in piety. Every sermon he preached seemed to be more inspired than the last. More than once the minister resolved to confess his hypocrisy and take his place beside Hester, but he was too afraid of the shame open confession would bring. And so it was that the years passed: Hester, suffering in disgrace and isolation,

Free Essays on Racism All Grown Up

I swear to the Lord I still can’t see Why Democracy means Everyone but me. -Langston Hughes, The Black Man Speaks When my father was younger, handlebar moustaches and bellbottoms were in style. In fact, he was wearing an all-white, bellbottomed tuxedo with a gigantic gold chain slung across it on the day he married my mother. This was top-notch attire then. When my mother was younger, hot pants and mood rings were in style. She refuses to show me any photos from these days, but I know they happened. When Racism was younger, outright bigotry was in style. Complexion-based hate was just another one of those things. Since then all three have grown up, and since then it is no longer fashionable to dress one’s self in a bellbottomed tux, or hot pants, or bigotry. Racism is certainly still around however, it has simply taken on a more socially and politically acceptable form. In â€Å"The Possessive Investment of Whiteness,† George Lipsitz lays out, in a series of statistics quoted from numerous social studies and surveys, what modern-day racism looks like. Modern-day racism, what the b igots of the past might have referred to as â€Å"the racism of tomorrow,† lies in a hypocritical acceptance of freedom-loving whites that patriotically pride themselves on their melting pot of a country, all the while indifferently condoning a system that relies on the neglect and exploitation of its non-white citizenship. Very chic. In a lot of obvious ways this new fact of Racist America is for the better. There’s less outright hate speech. There are less proactive attempts by individuals to quash any sign of racial progress. The flipside of that, however, is that there doesn’t really have to be. An undercurrent of fear and greed alongside of warped and misleading policies and fund allocations has replaced the red-faced, raving white supremacist as American minorities’ newest and fanciest hurdle. In many ways this can be more dangerous, be... Free Essays on Racism All Grown Up Free Essays on Racism All Grown Up I swear to the Lord I still can’t see Why Democracy means Everyone but me. -Langston Hughes, The Black Man Speaks When my father was younger, handlebar moustaches and bellbottoms were in style. In fact, he was wearing an all-white, bellbottomed tuxedo with a gigantic gold chain slung across it on the day he married my mother. This was top-notch attire then. When my mother was younger, hot pants and mood rings were in style. She refuses to show me any photos from these days, but I know they happened. When Racism was younger, outright bigotry was in style. Complexion-based hate was just another one of those things. Since then all three have grown up, and since then it is no longer fashionable to dress one’s self in a bellbottomed tux, or hot pants, or bigotry. Racism is certainly still around however, it has simply taken on a more socially and politically acceptable form. In â€Å"The Possessive Investment of Whiteness,† George Lipsitz lays out, in a series of statistics quoted from numerous social studies and surveys, what modern-day racism looks like. Modern-day racism, what the b igots of the past might have referred to as â€Å"the racism of tomorrow,† lies in a hypocritical acceptance of freedom-loving whites that patriotically pride themselves on their melting pot of a country, all the while indifferently condoning a system that relies on the neglect and exploitation of its non-white citizenship. Very chic. In a lot of obvious ways this new fact of Racist America is for the better. There’s less outright hate speech. There are less proactive attempts by individuals to quash any sign of racial progress. The flipside of that, however, is that there doesn’t really have to be. An undercurrent of fear and greed alongside of warped and misleading policies and fund allocations has replaced the red-faced, raving white supremacist as American minorities’ newest and fanciest hurdle. In many ways this can be more dangerous, be...

Major General George H. Thomas in the American Civil War

Major General George H. Thomas in the American Civil War George Henry Thomas was born July 31, 1816, at Newsoms Depot, VA. Growing up on a plantation, Thomas was one of many who violated the law and taught his familys slaves to read. Two years after his fathers death in 1829, Thomas and his mother led his siblings to safety during Nat Turners bloody slave rebellion. Pursued by Turners men, the Thomas family was forced to abandon their carriage and flee on foot through the woods. Racing through Mill Swamp and the bottomlands of the Nottoway River, the family found safety at the county seat of Jerusalem, VA. Shortly thereafter, Thomas became an assistant to his uncle James Rochelle, the local clerk of court, with the goal of becoming a lawyer. West Point After a short time, Thomas became unhappy with his legal studies and approached Representative John Y. Mason regarding an appointment to West Point.   Though warned by Mason that no student from the district had ever successfully completed the academys course of study, Thomas accepted the appointment. Arriving at age 19, Thomas shared a room with William T. Sherman. Becoming friendly rivals, Thomas soon developed a reputation among the cadets for being deliberate and cool-headed. His class also included future Confederate commander Richard S. Ewell. Graduating 12th in his class, Thomas was commissioned as a second lieutenant and assigned to the 3rd US Artillery. Early Assignments Dispatched for service in the Second Seminole War in Florida, Thomas arrived at Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1840. Initially serving as infantry, he and his men conducted routine patrols in the area.   His performance in this role earned him a brevet promotion to first lieutenant on November 6, 1841. While in Florida, Thomas commanding officer stated, I never knew him to be late or in a hurry. All his movements were deliberate, his self-possession was supreme, and he received and gave orders with equal serenity. Departing Florida in 1841, Thomas saw subsequent service at New Orleans, Fort Moultrie (Charleston, SC), and Fort McHenry (Baltimore, MD). Mexico With the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846, Thomas served with Major General Zachary Taylors army in northeastern Mexico. After performing admirably at the Battles of Monterrey and Buena Vista, he was brevetted to captain and then major. During the fighting, Thomas served closely with future antagonist Braxton Bragg and earned high praise from Brigadier General John E. Wool. With the conflicts conclusion, Thomas briefly returned to Florida before receiving the post of instructor of artillery at West Point in 1851. Impressing West Points superintendent, Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, Thomas was also given the duties of cavalry instructor. Back to West Point In this role, Thomas earned the lasting nickname Old Slow Trot due to his constant restraining of the cadets from galloping the academys elderly horses. The year after arriving, he married Frances Kellogg, the cousin of a cadet from Troy, NY. During his time at West Point, Thomas instructed Confederate horsemen  J.E.B. Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee as well as voted against reinstating future subordinate John Schofield after his dismissal from West Point. Appointed a major in the 2nd Cavalry in 1855, Thomas was assigned to the Southwest. Serving under Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston and Lee, Thomas combated the Native Americans for the remainder of the decade. On August 26, 1860, he narrowly avoided death when an arrow glanced off his chin and hit his chest. Pulling the arrow out, Thomas had the wound dressed and returned to action. Though painful, it was to be the only wound that he would sustain throughout his long career. The Civil War Returning home on leave, Thomas requested a year-long leave of absence in November 1860. He suffered further when he badly injured his back during a fall from a train platform in Lynchburg, VA. As he recovered, Thomas became concerned as states began leaving the Union after the election of Abraham Lincoln. Turning down Governor John Letchers offer to become Virginias chief of ordnance, Thomas stated that he wished to remain loyal to the United States as long as it was honorable for him to do so. On April 12, the day that the Confederates opened fire on Fort Sumter, he informed his family in Virginia that he intended to remain in federal service. Promptly disowning him, they turned his portrait to face the wall and refused to forward his belongings. Labeling Thomas a turncoat, some Southern commanders, such as Stuart threatened to hang him as a traitor if he was captured. Though he remained loyal, Thomas was hampered by his Virginia roots for the duration of the war as some in the North did not fully trust him and he lacked political backing in Washington. Quickly promoted to lieutenant colonel and then colonel in May 1861, he led a brigade in the Shenandoah Valley and won a minor victory over troops led by Brigadier General Thomas Stonewall Jackson. Building a Reputation In August, with officers like Sherman vouching for him, Thomas was promoted to brigadier general. Posted to the Western Theater, he provided the Union with one its first victories in January 1862, when he defeated Confederate troops under Major General George Crittenden at the Battle of Mill Springs in eastern Kentucky. As his command was part of Major General Don Carlos Buells Army of the Ohio, Thomas was among those who marched to Major General Ulysses S. Grants aid during the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Promoted to major general on April 25, Thomas was given command of the Right Wing of Major General Henry Hallecks army. The bulk of this command was made of up of men from Grants Army of the Tennessee. Grant, who had been removed from field command by Halleck, was angered by this and resented Thomas position. While Thomas led this formation during the Siege of Corinth, he rejoined Buells army in June when Grant returned to active service. That fall, when Confederate General Braxton Bragg invaded Kentucky, the Union leadership offered Thomas command of the Army of the Ohio as it felt Buell was too cautious. Supporting Buell, Thomas refused this offer and served as his second-in-command at the Battle of Perryville that October. Though Buell compelled Bragg to retreat, his slow pursuit cost him his job and Major General William Rosecrans was given command on October 24. Serving under Rosecrans, Thomas led the center of the newly named Army of the Cumberland at the Battle of Stones River on December 31-January 2. Holding the Union line against Braggs attacks, he prevented a Confederate victory. The Rock of Chickamauga Later that year, Thomas XIV Corps played a key role in Rosecrans Tullahoma Campaign which saw Union troops maneuver Braggs army out of central Tennessee. The campaign culminated with the Battle of Chickamauga that September. Attacking Rosecrans army, Bragg was able to shatter the Union lines. Forming his corps on Horseshoe Ridge and Snodgrass Hill, Thomas mounted a stubborn defense as the rest of the army retreated. Finally retiring after nightfall, the action earned Thomas the nickname The Rock of Chickamauga. Retreating to Chattanooga, Rosecrans army was effectively besieged by the Confederates. Though he did not have good personal relations with Thomas, Grant, now in command of the Western Theater, relieved Rosecrans and gave the Army of the Cumberland to the Virginian. Tasked with holding the city, Thomas did so until Grant arrived with additional troops. Together, the two commanders began driving Bragg back during the Battle of Chattanooga, November 23-25, which culminated with Thomas men capturing Missionary Ridge. With his promotion to Union general-in-chief in the spring of 1864, Grant designated Sherman to lead the armies in the West with orders to capture Atlanta. Remaining in command of the Army of the Cumberland, Thomas troops were one of three armies overseen by Sherman. Fighting a number of battles through the summer, Sherman succeeded in taking the city on September 2. As Sherman prepared for his March to the Sea, Thomas and his men were sent back to Nashville to prevent Confederate General John B. Hood from attacking Union supply lines. Moving with a smaller number of men, Thomas raced to beat Hood to Nashville where Union reinforcements were heading. En route, a detachment of Thomas force defeated Hood at the Battle of Franklin on November 30. Concentrating at Nashville, Thomas hesitated to organize his army, obtain mounts for his cavalry, and wait for ice to melt. Believing Thomas was being too cautious, Grant threatened to relieve him and dispatched Major General John Logan to take command. On December 15, Thomas attacked Hood and won a stunning victory. The victory marked one of the few times during the war that an enemy army was effectively destroyed. Later Life Following the war, Thomas held various military posts across the South. President Andrew Johnson offered him the rank of lieutenant general to be Grants successor, but Thomas declined as he wished to avoid the politics of Washington. Taking command of the Division of the Pacific in 1869, he died at the Presidio of a stroke on March 28, 1870.