Chapter 15 - Lesson 5 - Decisive Battles

How did the problems of leadership in the Union army lead Lee to initiate an attack on Union soil?

The Union army suffered badly at several battles under different generals, giving Lee confidence that he could win a major victory on Union soil

How did Lincoln and his generals turn the tide of the war? FOCUS QUESTION

The Union gained the upper hand with victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Lincoln appointed Grant commander of the Union forces, which also helped turn the tide

How did the advantages of the North at the start of the war continue to be advantages?

The Union was able to replenish troops and supplies because of its larger population and industries.

What events led to the turning point of the Civil War in July 1863? How did those events change the war?

The Union won the Battle of Antietam, but was defeated at a number of battles afterward. In 1863, the Union won at the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, which gave its leaders confidence that they could win the war.

Why are the battles at Gettysburg and Vicksburg considered a turning point?

The victories gave the Union the upper hand.

President Lincoln called for "charity for all." How would you classify his words to the country?

They were words of peace and forgiveness

Identify two events that marked turning points in the Civil War. CHECKPOINT

the Union's victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg

Battle of Gettysburg

- On July 1, some Confederate soldiers approached the quiet town of Gettysburg. - They were looking for shoes, which were in short supply in the South because of the Union blockade - Instead of shoes, the Confederates encountered part of Meade's army - this three day battle was the bloodiest of the entire Civil War, ended in a Union victory, and is considered the turning point of the war

Battle of Vicksburg

Battle that gave the Union control of the Mississippi.

The Civil War Cause and Effects

Causes ■ Issue of slavery in the territories divides the North and South. ■ Abolitionists want slavery to end. ■ Southern states secede after Lincoln's election. Effects ■ Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. ■ Total war destroys the South's economy. ■ Hundreds of thousands of Americans killed.

How did Sherman show "the hard hand of war"? CHECKPOINT

He burned Atlanta and left a path of destruction 60 miles wide from Atlanta to the Atlantic Ocean.

How did Lincoln take advantage of the Gettysburg victory?

He gave a speech there to honor soldiers and to suggest the healing that should follow when the war ended.

What advantage did Grant have over Lee?

He had a steady stream of men and supplies while Lee was running out of both

How did Grant overcome Vicksburg?

He led a siege until the Confederates gave up

Why did Lee finally decide to surrender? CHECKPOINT

He was surrounded with no escape; he had lost too many men in a long, bloody conflict and had little hope of reinforcements.

How can you tell that both men were aware of the toll of the war?

Lee surrendered rather than subject his remaining troops to another defeat. Grant offered generous terms and reminded his men that the rebels were once again fellow countrymen

Why was Sherman's capture of Atlanta a boost for Lincoln?

Northerners had grown tired of the war and the victory gave them hope