what was general Ulysses S. Grant's strategy to win the war
General Ulysses S. Grant's strategy to win the war can be summarized in a few key points:
1. Total War: Grant believed in the concept of total war, which involved using all available resources and seeking to destroy the enemy's ability to fight. He understood that victory would only be possible if the Confederate forces were completely neutralized. Grant sought to wage a relentless war of attrition, inflicting heavy casualties and wearing down the enemy.
2. Anaconda Plan: Grant supported and executed the Anaconda Plan, a strategy primarily devised by General Winfield Scott. This plan aimed to blockade the Southern ports, control the Mississippi River to split the Confederacy, and cut off its supply lines and communication networks. Grant played a crucial role in implementing this plan, especially his successful capture of Vicksburg, which split the Confederacy in half and gave the Union control over the Mississippi River.
3. Coordination and Unity: Grant recognized the importance of coordination and unity among the Union forces. He sought to coordinate his actions with other Union armies, especially Major General William T. Sherman in the Western Theater and Major General George G. Meade in the Eastern Theater. Grant was appointed as the general-in-chief of all Union armies in 1864, allowing him to coordinate operations on a grand scale.
4. Persistence and Aggressive Action: Grant was known for his determined and aggressive approach to the war. He understood that a war of attrition required continuous pressure on the enemy. Grant would relentlessly attack Confederate armies and engage them in battle, even if victory was not assured. He believed that by constantly engaging the enemy, he could wear them down and diminish their ability to fight.
5. Utilizing Technological Advantages: Grant made effective use of new technologies and advancements in weaponry, such as rifled muskets and repeating rifles, to gain an advantage over his opponents. He also heavily employed the use of railroads to quickly move troops and supplies, enhancing his army's mobility.
Overall, Grant's strategy was aimed at aggressively pursuing the enemy, wearing them down through continuous engagement, and utilizing the Union's superior resources and manpower to achieve victory.