#23 ESSAY QUESTION

Select two of the following:

Battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, or Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House

1. Explain the significant of the event (2pts)
2. Provide details examples (2pts)

You must explain with details for both events you select.

I will discuss the Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg.

Gettysburg:
1. The significance of the Battle of Gettysburg lies in the fact that it was a turning point in the American Civil War. It is considered the bloodiest battle of the war and resulted in a decisive victory for the Union forces. This battle marked the beginning of the end for the Confederate Army, as they suffered heavy casualties and were forced to retreat. The Union victory at Gettysburg gave them momentum and boosted morale, ultimately leading to their eventual victory in the war.

2. The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1-3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It started when Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia clashed with Union General George Meade's Army of the Potomac. The three-day battle saw fierce fighting on both sides, with casualties totaling around 50,000 soldiers. The turning point of the battle came on the third day during Pickett's Charge, a failed Confederate assault on Union positions on Cemetery Ridge. The Union forces held their ground and forced the Confederates to retreat, solidifying their victory.

Vicksburg:
1. The significance of the Siege of Vicksburg lies in the fact that it was a crucial Union victory that gave them control of the Mississippi River. The capture of Vicksburg by Union forces in July 1863 effectively split the Confederacy in half and cut off vital supply lines, crippling their ability to continue the war. This strategic victory played a key role in the eventual defeat of the Confederacy.

2. The Siege of Vicksburg took place from May 18 to July 4, 1863, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Union General Ulysses S. Grant launched a campaign to capture the heavily fortified city, which was a key Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. The Union forces laid siege to Vicksburg, bombarding the city and cutting off its supply lines. After enduring weeks of intense fighting and suffering from dwindling supplies, the Confederate forces in Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863. The capture of Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and dealt a major blow to the Confederacy's war effort.

can you shorten it just a little bit

Sure!

Gettysburg:
1. The Battle of Gettysburg was a decisive victory for Union forces in the American Civil War, marking a turning point in the conflict. The Union victory at Gettysburg boosted morale and momentum, leading to their eventual triumph.

2. The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1-3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The three-day battle saw heavy casualties, culminating in Pickett's Charge on the third day, where the Confederates were repulsed by Union forces.

Vicksburg:
1. The Siege of Vicksburg was a crucial Union victory that gave them control of the Mississippi River, cutting off vital supply lines to the Confederacy and significantly weakening their war effort.

2. The Siege of Vicksburg lasted from May 18 to July 4, 1863, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. After enduring weeks of bombardment and supply shortages, the Confederate forces in Vicksburg surrendered, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and helping pave the way for the eventual defeat of the Confederacy.