Which of the following were instrumental in General Grant's plan for ending the Civil War? Select all that apply.

a. using generals who would obey without question
b. engaging financial help from European allies
c. destroying anything in the South that would help the Confederacy
d. opening negotiations for a peaceable Confederate surrender

a. using generals who would obey without question

c. destroying anything in the South that would help the Confederacy

According to General Grant's plan for ending the Civil War, the following options were instrumental:

a. Using generals who would obey without question
c. Destroying anything in the South that would help the Confederacy
d. Opening negotiations for a peaceable Confederate surrender

These three options were important aspects of Grant's strategy for achieving victory.

To determine which options were instrumental in General Grant's plan for ending the Civil War, we can analyze each of the choices:

a. Using generals who would obey without question: This statement refers to Grant's reliance on loyal and capable generals who would follow his orders promptly and efficiently. Having trustworthy generals played a crucial role in executing Grant's plans effectively. This option is therefore likely to be instrumental in Grant's strategy.

b. Engaging financial help from European allies: Grant did not actively seek financial assistance from European allies during the Civil War. The Union primarily relied on its own resources and industrial capabilities to finance the war effort. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be instrumental in Grant's plan.

c. Destroying anything in the South that would help the Confederacy: Grant implemented a strategy known as "total war" which aimed to cripple the Confederate forces by targeting not only military assets but also economic, transportation, and communication infrastructure. This strategy involved destroying anything that could benefit or support the Confederacy. Therefore, this option is likely to be instrumental in Grant's plan.

d. Opening negotiations for a peaceable Confederate surrender: Grant's main objective was the unconditional surrender of the Confederate forces rather than peaceable negotiations. While Grant acknowledged the futility of continued fighting and sought to avoid further bloodshed, he aimed to bring about the total defeat of the Confederacy. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be instrumental in Grant's plan.

Based on this analysis, the options that were instrumental in General Grant's plan for ending the Civil War are:

- Using generals who would obey without question.
- Destroying anything in the South that would help the Confederacy.