The War’s End and Impact 11.5

Objectives Analyze the final events of the Civil War Explain why the North won the war Assess the impact of the Civil War on North and South

Key Parts The War’s Final Days Why the North Won The War’s Lasting Impact

Introduction Read Section 11.5 Answer questions 4-6

The War’s Final Days In the summer of 1864 Grant continued his bloody drive toward Richmond. The Confederates make a desperate stand at Petersburg, which was a vital railroad center. This was the south’s main supply line to Richmond. Once again Grant turned to his siege tactics and surrounded Petersburg.

Cont. By March of 1865 Grant’s siege line stretched for over 30 miles around Petersburg. The fighting was fierce, The Confederates lost 28,000 men however the North lost more than 40,000. The problem for Lee was that he didn’t have the troops to replenish with like Grant did. Lee retreated out of Petersburg and tried to link up with the North Carolina Army but his men were starved and had little ammunition.

Cont.. Lee was finally trapped by Grant at Appomattox Court House. On April 9 Lee Formally surrendered to Grant. Grant would not allow his troops to gloat; he simply stated “The war is over, the rebels are our countrymen again.” Lincoln wanted a peaceful reunification of the north and south. He knew this would be difficult and would take time to complete.

Cont… Unfortunately Lincoln would never get to see the nation truly united again. On April 14, 1865 just days after Lee’s surrender Lincoln decided to relax by attending a new comedy, our American Cousin at Ford’s Theater. During the performance actor and Confederate supporter John Wilkes Booth fired a single shot into the back of Lincoln’s head.

Cont…. Booth leaped to the stage and called out “Sic semper tyrannis” (Thus ever to tyrants) and then “the South is avenged” Lincoln died the next morning on April 15, 1865. Booth was killed several days later while hiding in a barn in Virginia.

Why the North Won The north had a larger population, better resources, and industry to develop gear for war. The north also had a vastly larger rail line system as well as the telegraph lines that ran along side the rail lines. Also the south was divided amongst itself so the disunity made it easier for the north.

The War’s Lasting Impact The Civil War was unlike any other battle the United States had been a part of. Over 600,000 men died during this war and hundreds of thousands were maimed. This caused a set back in advancement in the United States for a short period of time. The era following the war was known as the Gilded Age.

Cont. The industrial boom continued in the north after the war. In 1862 Congress passed the Land Grant College Act that gave money from the sale of public lands to states for the establishment of universities that taught agriculture and mechanical arts. After 1865 northern factories and banks helped the United States emerge as a global economic power.

Cont.. The South had a very hard time rebuilding, most of its cities lay in ruin such as Richmond and Atlanta. Also almost all factories and railroads were destroyed. The south continued their farming and agriculture for many years to come, though it was difficult because many men returning home were wounded. Ultimately many farms were abandoned because the man who owned had died in the war. It will take the governments help to bring the south back up on it’s feet.