Discuss the Major Turning Points of the Civil War Essay Example

to prolonged war and more bloodshed. Nonetheless, fighting the rebels to a draw kept European nations from getting involved in the war, offering the South a chance to gain realistic consideration from Europe by moving into Union territory.

According to the text, Lee's failure to capture Antietam could have been the true defeat of the Confederate army. It was crucial for President Lincoln to have a strong performance by the Union soldiers to shift the focus of the war to a higher cause beyond human desires. Lincoln was a strategic person who knew that the high casualties in the war would not allow it to continue merely for land or principle. This battle allowed him to issue a proclamation that ended slavery. Although this proclamation did not apply to slaves in Confederate States, it did offer new hope for the war.

The American people's fight for freedom was once again prioritized with the proclamation. Although it did not hold much sway in Confederate states, its significance within the Union cannot be underestimated. It gave people a reason to fight and, as stated by the professor, was "a poor document, but a mighty act." Additionally, freeing slaves may have impacted European nations such as Great Britain from interfering in the war. Being an anti-slavery country themselves, Great Britain could have chosen to simply watch and wait before resuming relations with another anti-slavery nation.

Victory for the Confederacy would have resulted in both parties being recognized as independent nations. The Union army was strengthened by the Emancipation Proclamation, which brought over 100,000 new troops - although not all fought in battles, their support was invaluable. Key battles including Gettysburg, Vicksburg,

and Chattanooga were vital to the war effort. In July of 1863, General Lee saw an opportunity to move northward into Pennsylvania after the North suffered a major blow at Chancellorsville. Lee nearly made it to Harrisburg - the state capital - but his march was halted by a formidable Union force at Gettysburg where a heroic three-day battle ensued.

After suffering significant losses, Lee's veterans were unsuccessful and retreated back to the Potomac. Meanwhile, the Confederates had created formidable fortifications at Vicksburg, preventing Union control of the Mississippi. However, in 1863, Grant started a six-week siege and eventually, on July 4, he overtook the town along with the strongest Confederate Army in the West. Consequently, the Union gained complete control of the river.

During the Civil War, the Confederacy faced a challenging mission of bringing supplies from Texas and Arkansas after their separation. Three battles were particularly significant in this event: Grant's campaign towards Vicksburg resulted in a crucial victory that caused considerable harm to Confederate supply lines. As is well-known in warfare tactics, severing an enemy's supply line is an effective strategy for defeating them. This action by Grant subsequently weakened the Confederate army.

Not only was the Confederate Army fighting the war on two fronts, but they were also unable to cross the Mississippi river and get supplies. The Confederate Army was already weakened from previous battles and could not afford to continue with limited supplies while fighting on two fronts. The battle of Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain gave the Confederates a decisive moral turning point in the war. General Bragg considered Lookout Mountain an impregnable strategic point. However, when a Union division marched up

the mountain and caused rebels to run away, the Confederate army's defeat was imminent. The battle opened the door for Sherman, who then marched through Confederate states, leaving destruction in his wake.

After the three-day Gettysburg battle, Lee's army was severely weakened and it served as his last attempt at advancing North. As a result, Grant pursued Lee to Richmond which ultimately led to the capture of the Confederate capital just one month prior to Lee's surrendering to Grant. While these battles put an end to the war, their significance lies in being decisive ones. It is believed that they were made possible by a careless Confederate officer who mistakenly provided McClellan with southern tobacco and plans for Antietam belonging to Lee. Had this information not been discovered, it is thought that the Civil War would have ended on Union soil and Maryland would be under Confederate rule today. The re-election of Lincoln in 1864 had multiple effects on the nation.

To sum up, during Lincoln's presidency, two significant results occurred. The first was that the war would only cease when the Confederate States agreed to Union conditions. Secondly, Lincoln's plans for reconstructing the nation would be implemented before his assassination. Some experts argue that if McClellan had won instead of Lincoln, the conflict may have continued due to their prioritization of Union concerns over peace negotiations. It is uncertain whether McClellan would have taken decisive actions to end the war since their strategy was hesitant and unassertive. In contrast, Lincoln's election victory led to emancipation and reestablishment of unity.

Although every moment in history is important for shaping the future, some are more crucial than

others. In my opinion, while many historians may argue that battles fought at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga were significant turning points during the Civil War, I feel they only matter because of the damage inflicted on the Confederate Army. What truly matters is that Lee's advance to the South was halted, preventing him from capturing Washington D.C. and raising the Confederate flag over the White House. Had Lee been victorious, it would have been a huge challenge or maybe even impossible to push back Confederates to their own territory for years to come. Furthermore, Sherman's march towards the ocean should also be considered as an important intervention.

The Confederacy's strength in battle could be attributed to their determination in fighting for their new nation and enduring through difficult circumstances. However, when General Sherman led his infamous march through the South at an almost unbelievable pace, he shattered the South's ability to endure. War can seem distant for civilians until it reaches them, and Sherman brought the brutal reality of it to their doorstep. As his army advanced, it left a trail of destruction akin to a literal hell, which became known as Potter's raid.

Sherman's actions resulted in the loss of our horses. After Johnson's surrender, Potter's raid destroyed our mills, gins, and a hundred bails of cotton, leaving us with only debts and barren land. The impact on Southern citizens and soldiers fighting with the knowledge of their families' peril was more destructive than the entire Army of the Potomac led by Grant.

Sherman employed unrelenting tactics and recognized the significance of psychological warfare in achieving triumph in battle. Additionally, he relied on foraging to maintain

his soldiers' self-sufficiency and mobility, negating the need for external resources. Although not solely responsible for the Confederacy's downfall, psychological warfare expedited its demise. It remains crucial to acknowledge and pay tribute to the brave soldiers from opposing factions who valiantly fought and perished defending our way of life amidst trying circumstances.

The significance of the American Civil War in America's history cannot be overstated. It serves as a glimpse into the character of Americans for generations to come, showcasing their bravery and honesty - both fundamental traits that embody the American spirit.