Chapter 6: Civil War and Reconstruction Core Lesson 3: The War Ends
Union Victories The Union tried to force the South to surrender by destroying southerners’ resources. Ulysses S. Grant – Chosen by President Lincoln to be commander of all Union armies – Proved his worth in the West – Planned to attack General Robert E. Lee’s army at Richmond – Ordered General William Tecumseh Sherman to led Union in Tennessee planned to attack Atlanta, Georgia
Union Victories Sherman’s March – Began attack on Atlanta in May 1864 and won in September 1864 – Sent telegraph message to Lincoln Machine that sends electric signals over wires “Atlanta is ours, and fairly won.” – Navy victory in Mobile Bay, Alabama – Lincoln needed Atlanta and Mobile Bay victories to gain support for re-election
Union Victories Sherman’s March – March to the Sea Sherman’s army march from Atlanta to Savannah Used total war – Strategy of destroying an enemy’s resources – Stole food, killed animals, and wrecked factories and railroad tracks – After Savannah, turned north and destroyed all in their path
Union Victories Review: Why did Sherman decide to use total war against the South?
Grant and Lee Grant’s attacks in Virginia wore down Lee’s army and forced it to surrender. – Grant was opposed by Lee’s army in Virginia while Sherman marched into Georgia – Union suffered terrible losses but kept attacking – Wore down Confederate army in series of battles Forced Lee south
Grant and Lee Lee’s Surrender – Union resources help Grant Supplied food and equipment Sent 1,000s more soldiers – Confederate army Had no more soldiers/supplies to send Some soldiers chose to desert – To leave the army without permission
Grant and Lee Lee’s Surrender – Early April 1865 Lee’s army too weak to defend Richmond Lost Richmond Chased west Near Appomattox Court House Lee had to surrender as his starving army was surrounded
Grant and Lee Lee’s Surrender – April 9, 1865 in a home in Appomattox Court House Lee surrendered to Grant – Grant sent 25,000 meals to Confederate soldiers Told his soldiers not to celebrate – Lee Days later marched his soldiers past Union army to surrender (saluted by Union soldiers) – News spread quickly Celebration in Washington Confederates surrendered to Sherman Some fighting continued, but by late June it was over
Grant and Lee Review: Why did Lee have to surrender?
Why It Matters…