BATTLE FOR VICKSBURG

Both the North and the South desperately need control of Vicksburg. Why? The Mississippi River. Whoever controlled the river, controlled the war. Why? Why was the river so important? Transportation of troops, medicine, food, and weapons.

Who had the advantage initially? The Confederates (South) How? They already controlled Vicksburg. The Union had to take it. That was difficult to do due to the high bluffs and hills of Vicksburg.

OPPOSING GENERALS General Ulysses S. Grant North (Union) John C. Pemberton South (Confederates)

TROOPS Confederates began the battle with about 34,000 The Union began the battle with about 75,000.

After several failed attempts at taking Vicksburg by storm, Grant finally decided upon a siege of the city. What does this mean? The city was surrounded. No medical supplies, troops, food, or weapons could get in or out of the city. This siege began in May of 1863.

VICKSBURG UNDER SIEGE Frightened citizens were living in caves to escape the constant shelling of the city. Some citizens brought furnishings into the caves to make conditions more comfortable. Soldiers were dying of lack of food, water, and medical supplies. Citizens were going hungry Dogs, rats, and horses were consumed as the citizens ran out of food. Grant was committed to starving the Confederates into submission.

THE SIEGE WAS A SUCCESS Pemberton surrendered to Grant on July 3, The troops actually came out of the trenches and laid down their weapons on the morning of July 4, Confederate soldiers were not imprisoned by the Union. They were set free after the surrender.

RESULTS / EFFECTS The Union marched into the city of Vicksburg and took control. The Union gained complete control of the Mississippi River leading to the defeat of the Confederates in the Civil War. (Along with their defeat at Gettysburg) Most released Confederates rejoined the war elsewhere. Casualties at Vicksburg: Union (North): 4,800 Confederates (South) 3,300