In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine the significance of the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in 1863, including the strategic importance of Pickett's Charge and the siege tactics that forced Vicksburg to surrender. Students also learn how General William Tecumseh Sherman's strategy of total war helped bring the Confederacy to defeat and ultimately end the Civil War by 1865.
Section 1
Union Armies Seize Control at Key Battles
Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in July 1863 marked the war's turning point. These battles shifted advantage to the North after earlier Confederate successes at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
Section 2
Generals Adopt Total War Against the South
Generals Grant and Sherman used all-out war tactics to destroy Confederate resources and morale. Sherman's March to the Sea devastated Georgia, while Grant's relentless attacks wore down Lee's forces.
Section 3
Lincoln Transforms War with Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1, 1863, Lincoln freed enslaved people in rebellious areas, changing the war into a fight against slavery. This ended Southern hopes for European recognition and encouraged African Americans to join Union forces.
Section 4
Lee Surrenders Army at Appomattox Court House
Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865, after Union forces broke through Confederate lines and captured Richmond. The generous terms allowed Confederate soldiers to lay down weapons and return home peacefully.
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Section 1
Union Armies Seize Control at Key Battles
Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg in July 1863 marked the war's turning point. These battles shifted advantage to the North after earlier Confederate successes at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.
Section 2
Generals Adopt Total War Against the South
Generals Grant and Sherman used all-out war tactics to destroy Confederate resources and morale. Sherman's March to the Sea devastated Georgia, while Grant's relentless attacks wore down Lee's forces.
Section 3
Lincoln Transforms War with Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1, 1863, Lincoln freed enslaved people in rebellious areas, changing the war into a fight against slavery. This ended Southern hopes for European recognition and encouraged African Americans to join Union forces.
Section 4
Lee Surrenders Army at Appomattox Court House
Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865, after Union forces broke through Confederate lines and captured Richmond. The generous terms allowed Confederate soldiers to lay down weapons and return home peacefully.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter