Class Summary 1.9.12

Yesterday and today we took power point notes on the new military strategy of the Union and the final moments of the war. With wins at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, the war had reached its turning point in the Union's favor. This meant that the "Anaconda Plan" of Winfield Scott was working. From there on, William T. Sherman led his troops on the "March to the Sea" which left a trail of destruction behind them as the general introduced the "total war" mentality to his troops. They burned crops, killed livestock, consumed supplies, and destroyed anything that could potentially aid the confederates. As Sherman had captured many southern stronghold the "anaconda" was slowly but surely tightening its grip on the south. After Sherman's troops marched into Richmond on April 3rd the fate of the confederacy was nearly sealed. General Lee, believing that more fighting would only bring more devastation to his country then he could bear. So, he met with General Grant at Appomattox Court House and on April 9th, 1865 the civil war was officially over.