In this Grade 8 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, students examine the chain of events that brought the Civil War to its end, focusing on General Grant's military strategy, including the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor, and General Sherman's campaigns across the Deep South. Students analyze how Union forces closed in on the Confederacy through naval blockades, control of the Mississippi River, and relentless pressure on Richmond. The lesson also explores the devastating human cost of the war's final stages and the national mood of mourning that followed.
Section 1
Grant's Strategy of "Total War"
In March 1864, President Lincoln put Ulysses S. Grant in command of all Union armies. Lincoln needed a general who would fight aggressively to finally end the war.
Grant introduced a new strategy of "total war." This meant attacking the Confederacy's ability to fight, not just its soldiers. Union armies targeted the South's resources by destroying farms, railroads, and factories to cut off supplies and break civilian morale.
Section 2
The Union Unleashes Total War
Part of the Union's final strategy was a harsh tactic called total war. This approach aimed to destroy not only the Confederate army but also the South's ability and will to fight. This meant attacking the farms, railroads, and supplies that supported the Confederacy.
General William T. Sherman put this strategy into action during his Sherman's March to the Sea. His army cut a path of destruction across Georgia, crippling the South's economy and crushing civilian morale. This devastation helped to speed up the end of the war.
Section 3
Union Victories Secure Lincoln's Reelection
By the summer of 1864, many Northerners were tired of the long, bloody war. President Abraham Lincoln’s popularity fell, and his chances of winning the upcoming 1864 election looked poor. His opponent promised to seek a peaceful end to the conflict.
Then, key Union victories began to change public opinion. In August, the Union navy captured Mobile Bay in Alabama. In September, General Sherman’s army seized Atlanta, a vital Southern industrial and railroad city.
Section 4
Lee Surrenders to Grant
General Grant's army trapped General Lee's forces in a long siege at Petersburg, a vital supply center for the Confederate capital. After nine months, Union forces finally broke through the Confederate defenses. This victory forced the Confederate government to abandon its capital, Richmond.
General Lee and his starving army retreated west, but Grant's army pursued and surrounded them. With no hope of escape, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. This event effectively ended the Civil War.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Grant's Strategy of "Total War"
In March 1864, President Lincoln put Ulysses S. Grant in command of all Union armies. Lincoln needed a general who would fight aggressively to finally end the war.
Grant introduced a new strategy of "total war." This meant attacking the Confederacy's ability to fight, not just its soldiers. Union armies targeted the South's resources by destroying farms, railroads, and factories to cut off supplies and break civilian morale.
Section 2
The Union Unleashes Total War
Part of the Union's final strategy was a harsh tactic called total war. This approach aimed to destroy not only the Confederate army but also the South's ability and will to fight. This meant attacking the farms, railroads, and supplies that supported the Confederacy.
General William T. Sherman put this strategy into action during his Sherman's March to the Sea. His army cut a path of destruction across Georgia, crippling the South's economy and crushing civilian morale. This devastation helped to speed up the end of the war.
Section 3
Union Victories Secure Lincoln's Reelection
By the summer of 1864, many Northerners were tired of the long, bloody war. President Abraham Lincoln’s popularity fell, and his chances of winning the upcoming 1864 election looked poor. His opponent promised to seek a peaceful end to the conflict.
Then, key Union victories began to change public opinion. In August, the Union navy captured Mobile Bay in Alabama. In September, General Sherman’s army seized Atlanta, a vital Southern industrial and railroad city.
Section 4
Lee Surrenders to Grant
General Grant's army trapped General Lee's forces in a long siege at Petersburg, a vital supply center for the Confederate capital. After nine months, Union forces finally broke through the Confederate defenses. This victory forced the Confederate government to abandon its capital, Richmond.
General Lee and his starving army retreated west, but Grant's army pursued and surrounded them. With no hope of escape, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. This event effectively ended the Civil War.