#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.
(4 points)
I. Gettysburg
1. The significance of the Battle of Gettysburg is that it was the turning point of the American Civil War. It was the largest battle ever fought in North America and resulted in a Union victory, preventing General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army from invading the North.
2. The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1-3, 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It saw over 50,000 casualties and is considered one of the bloodiest battles in American history. The Union Army, led by General George Meade, successfully defended their position against the Confederate Army, leading to a strategic victory for the Union forces. This battle marked the end of the Confederacy's offensive capabilities and marked the beginning of the Union's march towards victory in the Civil War.
II. Lee's Surrender at Appomattox Court House
1. The significance of Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House is that it marked the end of the American Civil War. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Confederate Army's ability to wage war against the Union.
2. The surrender took place in Appomattox Court House, Virginia, after a series of battles and skirmishes that left the Confederate Army in a weakened state. Lee's decision to surrender was influenced by the realization that further resistance was futile and would only lead to more bloodshed. The terms of surrender were relatively generous, allowing Confederate soldiers to return home without facing prosecution for treason. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House symbolized the reunification of the United States and the beginning of the country's healing process after the devastating Civil War.