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The Battles Gettysburg and Vicksburg. In the Summer of 1863, Lee of the Confederates decided to invade the north again. His reasons were: Take the pressure off Richmond Take the pressure off Vicksburg Capture Union supplies. 4. Strengthen Peace Democrats in the North. (Copperheads)
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In the Summer of 1863, Lee of the Confederates decided to invade the north again.
His reasons were: • Take the pressure off Richmond • Take the pressure off Vicksburg • Capture Union supplies
4. Strengthen Peace Democrats in the North. (Copperheads) 5. Re-open the question of European recognition. 6. Maybe capture some major northern cities.
In early June, 1863 Lee and an Army of 75,000 cross the Potomac into the north.
Lincoln orders Hooker’s Army of 105,000 to attack Lee, but Hooker doesn’t want too, so he resigns. He is replaced with General Meade.
Lee wants to hold out in Cashtown, but an opportunity presents itself at Gettysburg. (Shoes or Destruction of the Union Army)
July 1st, 1863 Union and confederate forces clash just northwest of Gettysburg.
July 2nd, the confederates attack the Union’s left and right flanks.
After a bloody day of fighting the Union held their positions.
New troops for the Confederates under the command of General Pickett arrive late on the 2nd. Lee decides to attack the Union center.
July 3rd, 1863 “Pickett’s Charge” is a slaughter for the confederacy.
Lee retreated from the Battlefield, and Meade, who now outnumbered Lee 2 to 1, refused to follow.
Lee’s army was ruined, and he could never invade the north again.
Meanwhile…. In the West. General Ulysses S. Grant’s men had surrounded Vicksburg on the Mississippi River.
On July 4th, 1863 Vicksburg surrendered, the Union now had complete control of the Mississippi River.