total war

The Union Naval Blockade

• General Overview: The Union naval blockade aimed to restrict Confederate trade and the movement of supplies.

  • Effectiveness: While mainly successful, it was not completely impenetrable; however, it significantly reduced materials transported in and out of the Confederacy.

Stalemate in Virginia

• Military Stalemate: The conflict had reached a stalemate in Virginia for roughly two years despite numerous significant battles and high casualties.

General Lee's Pennsylvania Campaign

• Summer 1863: General Robert E. Lee, encouraged by victories over Northern commanders, invaded Pennsylvania.

  • Goals: He aimed to sway peace Democrats in the north and convince European powers of Confederate viability.

• Battle of Gettysburg: Confederate forces converged on Gettysburg for supplies.

  • Union Strategy: Union troops seized high ground south of Gettysburg before Confederates, establishing a strong defensive position.

  • Outcome: Lee’s aggressive strategy backfired; Union fortifications withstood Confederate attacks.

  • Casualties: The battle resulted in approximately 51,000 soldiers killed in three days (July 1-3, 1863).

Vicksburg and Western Campaign

• Union Victory at Vicksburg: On July 4, 1863, following Gettysburg, General Ulysses Grant captured Vicksburg, Mississippi, taking almost 30,000 Confederate soldiers prisoner.

  • Significance: With Vicksburg’s fall, the Union consolidated power in the West.

Perception of Turning Points

• Historical Context: Although Gettysburg and Vicksburg are seen as turning points for the Union, the Civil War continued with heavy casualties each month.

  • Confederate Resolve: Confederates remained committed to independence despite high losses.

  • Internal Union Divisions: Emancipation had alienated some Northern whites, leading to Democratic calls for peace talks.

The 1864 Presidential Election

• Election Context: The election occurred amidst ongoing national strife, with Lincoln facing declining popularity due to battlefield losses.

  • Democratic Opponent: Former General George McClellan ran on a peace platform, advocating for immediate ceasefire and negotiations.

  • Democratic Views on Slavery: Some Democrats were willing to restore slavery to reunify the country.

• Republican Strategy: Lincoln campaigned as a National Union candidate to broaden his appeal.

  • Bipartisan Ticket: He selected Andrew Johnson, a Southern Democrat, as his running mate, indicating a push for unity.

Lincoln's Reelection and Military Strategy

• Lincoln’s Challenges: Initially struggling, Lincoln gained momentum following victories in the fall of 1864.

  • Grant’s Command: Ulysses Grant became commander of the Army of the Potomac, setting aggressive military strategies.

Total War Strategy

• Sherman's March to the Sea: Under his command, Union forces destroyed civilian resources and infrastructure in the South.

  • Key Victories: Notable victories included the capture of Atlanta in September 1864 and Savannah in December 1864.

  • Tactics: The approach aimed to weaken Confederate morale and logistics.

Nearing the War's End

• Lee's Army Trapped: Lee’s forces in Virginia were encircled by Grant’s strategies.

  • Lincoln's Reelection Success: Lincoln secured reelection with around 55% of the popular vote, bolstered by Union soldier votes, despite a significant portion opposing emancipation.

Conclusion of the Civil War

• Final Offensive: In Spring 1865, Grant launched assaults against Lee’s dwindling army.

• Surrender of the Confederacy:

  • Davis Flees Richmond: Confederate President Jefferson Davis abandoned Richmond on April 3, 1865, coincided with Lincoln's arrival in the city, greeted by African Americans.

  • Lee's Surrender: Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, marking the collapse of Confederate resistance.

Cost of the War

• Casualties: Approximately 620,000 lives lost, surpassing the combined casualties of the American Revolution, World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.