Original subtitles

this channel is part of the history hit

this channel is part of the history hit

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[Music]

January 1864.

the American Civil War was now nearly

the American Civil War was now nearly

the American Civil War was now nearly three years old

three years old

three years old those who had believed that the fight

those who had believed that the fight

those who had believed that the fight between the North and the South would be

between the North and the South would be

between the North and the South would be settled in one set piece battle at Bull

settled in one set piece battle at Bull

settled in one set piece battle at Bull Run in 1861 had been proved cruelly

Run in 1861 had been proved cruelly

Run in 1861 had been proved cruelly wrong

for the north there was frustration for

for the north there was frustration for

for the north there was frustration for the tide of the war had turned yet no

the tide of the war had turned yet no

the tide of the war had turned yet no decisive Victory or breakthrough could

decisive Victory or breakthrough could

decisive Victory or breakthrough could be achieved

be achieved

be achieved but for the South there was desperation

but for the South there was desperation

but for the South there was desperation A muster showed that only 278

A muster showed that only 278

A muster showed that only 278 000 of its 465 000 enlisted soldiers

000 of its 465 000 enlisted soldiers

000 of its 465 000 enlisted soldiers were actually available to fight

were actually available to fight

were actually available to fight the rest were sick or wounded

the rest were sick or wounded

the rest were sick or wounded in an attempt to shore up its dwindling

in an attempt to shore up its dwindling

in an attempt to shore up its dwindling Manpower the South extended the draft to

Manpower the South extended the draft to

Manpower the South extended the draft to include 17 to 50 year olds a move that

include 17 to 50 year olds a move that

include 17 to 50 year olds a move that increased the opposition to the already

increased the opposition to the already

increased the opposition to the already unpopular government of Jefferson Davis

unpopular government of Jefferson Davis

unpopular government of Jefferson Davis hyperinflation and shortages bit deep as

hyperinflation and shortages bit deep as

hyperinflation and shortages bit deep as the South grew ever more dependent on

the South grew ever more dependent on

the South grew ever more dependent on the blockade Runners at sea

for all this the wars seemed to be at a

for all this the wars seemed to be at a

for all this the wars seemed to be at a stalemate and still it dragged on

[Music]

foreign

foreign

foreign

foreign [Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] the South

the South

the South could no longer

could no longer

could no longer go on the offensive on the Strategic

go on the offensive on the Strategic

go on the offensive on the Strategic offensive

offensive

offensive the foray into Pennsylvania that

the foray into Pennsylvania that

the foray into Pennsylvania that culminated with the Battle of Gettysburg

culminated with the Battle of Gettysburg

culminated with the Battle of Gettysburg is the last time that any Confederate

is the last time that any Confederate

is the last time that any Confederate Army is going to be able to strike into

Army is going to be able to strike into

Army is going to be able to strike into Northern Territory it had lost too many

Northern Territory it had lost too many

Northern Territory it had lost too many men during 1863.

men during 1863.

men during 1863. strategy now is to defend as much

strategy now is to defend as much

strategy now is to defend as much Confederate territory as possible and

Confederate territory as possible and

Confederate territory as possible and hopefully break the will of the northern

hopefully break the will of the northern

hopefully break the will of the northern people to continue the war

the best thing for the Confederacy would

the best thing for the Confederacy would

the best thing for the Confederacy would have been

have been

have been a Brisk defeat in the summer of 1864.

a Brisk defeat in the summer of 1864.

a Brisk defeat in the summer of 1864. they could not have done any better than

they could not have done any better than

they could not have done any better than they already had they were a lost cause

they already had they were a lost cause

they already had they were a lost cause why

why

why fight a total war why allow the South to

fight a total war why allow the South to

fight a total war why allow the South to be ravaged by two armies

be ravaged by two armies

be ravaged by two armies when it would have been so much simpler

when it would have been so much simpler

when it would have been so much simpler to just to just give it up

the early weeks of 1864 did little to

the early weeks of 1864 did little to

the early weeks of 1864 did little to convince anyone that there were quick

convince anyone that there were quick

convince anyone that there were quick military Solutions or that any general

military Solutions or that any general

military Solutions or that any general Confederates or federal was about to put

Confederates or federal was about to put

Confederates or federal was about to put forward a new strategy to speed the end

forward a new strategy to speed the end

forward a new strategy to speed the end of the war

of the war

of the war [Music]

[Music]

[Music] since the exhausting campaign had begun

since the exhausting campaign had begun

since the exhausting campaign had begun Abraham Lincoln had struggled to find

Abraham Lincoln had struggled to find

Abraham Lincoln had struggled to find the right man to command the premier

the right man to command the premier

the right man to command the premier Eastern Army McClellan Burnside hooker

Eastern Army McClellan Burnside hooker

Eastern Army McClellan Burnside hooker all had come and gone George Mead still

all had come and gone George Mead still

all had come and gone George Mead still commanded the army of the Potomac but

commanded the army of the Potomac but

commanded the army of the Potomac but his failure to aggressively pursue the

his failure to aggressively pursue the

his failure to aggressively pursue the army of Northern Virginia after the

army of Northern Virginia after the

army of Northern Virginia after the Battle of Gettysburg had left a bad

Battle of Gettysburg had left a bad

Battle of Gettysburg had left a bad impression on the president but now

impression on the president but now

impression on the president but now Lincoln believed he had at last found

Lincoln believed he had at last found

Lincoln believed he had at last found the man he was looking for

the man he was looking for

the man he was looking for politically 1864 would be an election

politically 1864 would be an election

politically 1864 would be an election year and Lincoln was fighting a rear

year and Lincoln was fighting a rear

year and Lincoln was fighting a rear guard action against some members of his

guard action against some members of his

guard action against some members of his own party uh the radical Wing had had

own party uh the radical Wing had had

own party uh the radical Wing had had issued a private circular which actually

issued a private circular which actually

issued a private circular which actually made it into the newspapers it was

made it into the newspapers it was

made it into the newspapers it was called the Pomeroy circular

called the Pomeroy circular

called the Pomeroy circular and in this

and in this

and in this published argument they said their

published argument they said their

published argument they said their belief was that Lincoln could not be

belief was that Lincoln could not be

belief was that Lincoln could not be re-elected he was unelectable again that

re-elected he was unelectable again that

re-elected he was unelectable again that they'd have to search for another

they'd have to search for another

they'd have to search for another candidate history hit is an

candidate history hit is an

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checkout Lincoln had been saddled with uh

Lincoln had been saddled with uh

Lincoln had been saddled with uh overconfident commanders incompetent

overconfident commanders incompetent

overconfident commanders incompetent commanders uh officers who were not

commanders uh officers who were not

commanders uh officers who were not willing to fight people who were too

willing to fight people who were too

willing to fight people who were too cautious and he was uh promoting

cautious and he was uh promoting

cautious and he was uh promoting generals to General in Chief or Generals

generals to General in Chief or Generals

generals to General in Chief or Generals in charge of the army of the Potomac who

in charge of the army of the Potomac who

in charge of the army of the Potomac who are facing a very crafty adversary uh

are facing a very crafty adversary uh

are facing a very crafty adversary uh General Robert E Lee what he needed was

General Robert E Lee what he needed was

General Robert E Lee what he needed was someone who was just as much of a

someone who was just as much of a

someone who was just as much of a gambler a risk taker is Robert E Lee

gambler a risk taker is Robert E Lee

gambler a risk taker is Robert E Lee someone who was just as determined and

someone who was just as determined and

someone who was just as determined and crafty as Robert E Lee and he found this

crafty as Robert E Lee and he found this

crafty as Robert E Lee and he found this in the victor of Vicksburg

in the victor of Vicksburg

in the victor of Vicksburg [Music]

[Music]

[Music] Ulysses S Grant

Ulysses S Grant

Ulysses S Grant to this point the war had been the most

to this point the war had been the most

to this point the war had been the most successful field commander that North

successful field commander that North

successful field commander that North had

had

had sometime this morning like he's gonna

sometime this morning like he's gonna

sometime this morning like he's gonna leave his victories early on at fort's

leave his victories early on at fort's

leave his victories early on at fort's Henry and Donaldson his victory at

Henry and Donaldson his victory at

Henry and Donaldson his victory at Shiloh his magnificent victory at

Shiloh his magnificent victory at

Shiloh his magnificent victory at Vicksburg

Vicksburg

Vicksburg his ability to come into Chattanooga and

his ability to come into Chattanooga and

his ability to come into Chattanooga and to counter-attack and break the siege of

to counter-attack and break the siege of

to counter-attack and break the siege of Chattanooga and send the Confederate

Chattanooga and send the Confederate

Chattanooga and send the Confederate Army of Tennessee away in defeat all of

Army of Tennessee away in defeat all of

Army of Tennessee away in defeat all of these things were feathers in

these things were feathers in

these things were feathers in Ulysses Grant's cap

Ulysses Grant's cap

Ulysses Grant's cap Lincoln liked him because he said that

Lincoln liked him because he said that

Lincoln liked him because he said that this man fights

this man fights

this man fights General

General

General Ulysses S Grant was promoted Lieutenant

Ulysses S Grant was promoted Lieutenant

Ulysses S Grant was promoted Lieutenant General and given overall command of

General and given overall command of

General and given overall command of federal forces in March 1864.

Mead retained his possession as

Mead retained his possession as

Mead retained his possession as commander of the army of the Potomac

commander of the army of the Potomac

commander of the army of the Potomac while philippade Sheridan went East with

while philippade Sheridan went East with

while philippade Sheridan went East with Grant and took over command of its

Grant and took over command of its

Grant and took over command of its cavalry

cavalry

cavalry [Music]

[Music]

[Music] Grant's plan for victory when he becomes

Grant's plan for victory when he becomes

Grant's plan for victory when he becomes General in Chief in 1863 is to pin down

General in Chief in 1863 is to pin down

General in Chief in 1863 is to pin down the army of Northern Virginia and

the army of Northern Virginia and

the army of Northern Virginia and destroy it he believed that the one way

destroy it he believed that the one way

destroy it he believed that the one way to win the war was to seek out and

to win the war was to seek out and

to win the war was to seek out and Destroy his enemy and that enemy's will

Destroy his enemy and that enemy's will

Destroy his enemy and that enemy's will to fight so he was willing to fight an

to fight so he was willing to fight an

to fight so he was willing to fight an all-out War a total war in his strategy

all-out War a total war in his strategy

all-out War a total war in his strategy he vows that if Lee decides to split his

he vows that if Lee decides to split his

he vows that if Lee decides to split his army and attempt any flanking movements

army and attempt any flanking movements

army and attempt any flanking movements then he'll follow that Army he's going

then he'll follow that Army he's going

then he'll follow that Army he's going to seek out and destroy him

the main attack on the army of Northern

the main attack on the army of Northern

the main attack on the army of Northern Virginia came in May at a place that had

Virginia came in May at a place that had

Virginia came in May at a place that had already won a gruesome reputation during

already won a gruesome reputation during

already won a gruesome reputation during the fighting that had occurred only one

the fighting that had occurred only one

the fighting that had occurred only one year earlier this was the dense forest

year earlier this was the dense forest

year earlier this was the dense forest known as the Wilderness near the old

known as the Wilderness near the old

known as the Wilderness near the old battlefield of Chancellorsville

battlefield of Chancellorsville

battlefield of Chancellorsville foreign

the chaotic nightmare of the battle in

the chaotic nightmare of the battle in

the chaotic nightmare of the battle in the thick Woods where the choking smoke

the thick Woods where the choking smoke

the thick Woods where the choking smoke made it almost impossible to see can

made it almost impossible to see can

made it almost impossible to see can hardly Be Imagined

hardly Be Imagined

hardly Be Imagined men sometimes entire units got lost some

men sometimes entire units got lost some

men sometimes entire units got lost some fired upon their own troops in the

fired upon their own troops in the

fired upon their own troops in the confusion

confusion

confusion the soldiers of the North and South

the soldiers of the North and South

the soldiers of the North and South fired at each other from point-blank

fired at each other from point-blank

fired at each other from point-blank range and some men were literally cut in

range and some men were literally cut in

range and some men were literally cut in two by the hail of bullets

two by the hail of bullets

two by the hail of bullets if this hell on Earth were not enough

if this hell on Earth were not enough

if this hell on Earth were not enough the dry Tinder of the forest was

the dry Tinder of the forest was

the dry Tinder of the forest was satellite and many wounded men unable to

satellite and many wounded men unable to

satellite and many wounded men unable to move in the brush were burnt alive by

move in the brush were burnt alive by

move in the brush were burnt alive by the flames

despite the desperate ferocity of the

despite the desperate ferocity of the

despite the desperate ferocity of the fighting neither side was able to gain

fighting neither side was able to gain

fighting neither side was able to gain victory

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] was not beaten nor was he outflanked

was not beaten nor was he outflanked

was not beaten nor was he outflanked and after a two-day struggle 28

and after a two-day struggle 28

and after a two-day struggle 28 000 dead or wounded men lay on the

000 dead or wounded men lay on the

000 dead or wounded men lay on the battlefield

this was almost 20 percent of those who

this was almost 20 percent of those who

this was almost 20 percent of those who had taken part

this time the union Commander was not

this time the union Commander was not

this time the union Commander was not prepared to sit back and lick his wounds

prepared to sit back and lick his wounds

prepared to sit back and lick his wounds I will fight it out on this line if it

I will fight it out on this line if it

I will fight it out on this line if it takes all summer granted told Lincoln

takes all summer granted told Lincoln

takes all summer granted told Lincoln and he was as good as his word

and he was as good as his word

and he was as good as his word [Music]

[Music]

[Music] he marched with his army towards

he marched with his army towards

he marched with his army towards Spotsylvania Courthouse some 12 miles

Spotsylvania Courthouse some 12 miles

Spotsylvania Courthouse some 12 miles Southwest of Fredericksburg where Lee

Southwest of Fredericksburg where Lee

Southwest of Fredericksburg where Lee who had anticipated the move was waiting

who had anticipated the move was waiting

who had anticipated the move was waiting for him

for him

for him by 1864 after years of enduring aimed

by 1864 after years of enduring aimed

by 1864 after years of enduring aimed rifle fire from the rifled mini musket

rifle fire from the rifled mini musket

rifle fire from the rifled mini musket and by 1864 you're starting to see

and by 1864 you're starting to see

and by 1864 you're starting to see magazine fed rifles as well

magazine fed rifles as well

magazine fed rifles as well first thing everybody does is start

first thing everybody does is start

first thing everybody does is start digging

digging

digging and at Spotsylvania Courthouse we see

and at Spotsylvania Courthouse we see

and at Spotsylvania Courthouse we see the emergence of trench warfare to make

the emergence of trench warfare to make

the emergence of trench warfare to make incremental gains rather than breaching

incremental gains rather than breaching

incremental gains rather than breaching the enemy's defense in a single mad rush

the enemy's defense in a single mad rush

the enemy's defense in a single mad rush at Spotsylvania the Confederates had

at Spotsylvania the Confederates had

at Spotsylvania the Confederates had constructed an impressive set of

constructed an impressive set of

constructed an impressive set of earthwork defenses that must have looked

earthwork defenses that must have looked

earthwork defenses that must have looked impenetrable to the union troops from

impenetrable to the union troops from

impenetrable to the union troops from May 10th to the 19th these Earthworks

May 10th to the 19th these Earthworks

May 10th to the 19th these Earthworks were to be the scene of particularly

were to be the scene of particularly

were to be the scene of particularly vicious combat

vicious combat

vicious combat the names given to parts of them the

the names given to parts of them the

the names given to parts of them the mule shoe and bloody angle have endured

mule shoe and bloody angle have endured

mule shoe and bloody angle have endured as reminders of the new depths of

as reminders of the new depths of

as reminders of the new depths of savagery reached on one Grim Day May 12

savagery reached on one Grim Day May 12

savagery reached on one Grim Day May 12 1864.

1864.

1864. the Battle of Spotsylvania actually

the Battle of Spotsylvania actually

the Battle of Spotsylvania actually lasted uh almost a month but that day

lasted uh almost a month but that day

lasted uh almost a month but that day the 12th of May was certainly one of the

the 12th of May was certainly one of the

the 12th of May was certainly one of the bloodiest days of the war and that was

bloodiest days of the war and that was

bloodiest days of the war and that was when the army of the Potomac I mean all

when the army of the Potomac I mean all

when the army of the Potomac I mean all 20 000 men stormed

20 000 men stormed

20 000 men stormed the Confederate defenses and charged

the Confederate defenses and charged

the Confederate defenses and charged into you know the belly of Lee's army

into you know the belly of Lee's army

into you know the belly of Lee's army and from the southern Viewpoint it was

and from the southern Viewpoint it was

and from the southern Viewpoint it was like this huge wall of blue bearing down

like this huge wall of blue bearing down

like this huge wall of blue bearing down on them

it was 20 hours of close fighting really

it was 20 hours of close fighting really

it was 20 hours of close fighting really ugly hand-to-hand combat

there was an oak tree there two feet

there was an oak tree there two feet

there was an oak tree there two feet thick which was actually cut down by a

thick which was actually cut down by a

thick which was actually cut down by a hail of bullets coming from two

hail of bullets coming from two

hail of bullets coming from two different directions

different directions

different directions much the same way as Lee's army was cut

much the same way as Lee's army was cut

much the same way as Lee's army was cut in two for for a while before they were

in two for for a while before they were

in two for for a while before they were able to get some reinforcements and push

able to get some reinforcements and push

able to get some reinforcements and push the federals back but the stump of that

the federals back but the stump of that

the federals back but the stump of that oak tree

oak tree

oak tree was put on display later at the World's

was put on display later at the World's

was put on display later at the World's Fair and sent to the Smithsonian

Fair and sent to the Smithsonian

Fair and sent to the Smithsonian institution in Washington and it's still

institution in Washington and it's still

institution in Washington and it's still on display now it's a symbol of the

on display now it's a symbol of the

on display now it's a symbol of the ferocity of the Civil War and that

ferocity of the Civil War and that

ferocity of the Civil War and that battle in particular

casualty figures from Spotsylvania defy

casualty figures from Spotsylvania defy

casualty figures from Spotsylvania defy belief

belief

belief fourteen thousand men had been killed

fourteen thousand men had been killed

fourteen thousand men had been killed sixteen thousand more were wounded in

sixteen thousand more were wounded in

sixteen thousand more were wounded in just a few hours of grim Slaughter the

just a few hours of grim Slaughter the

just a few hours of grim Slaughter the entire area had been turned into an

entire area had been turned into an

entire area had been turned into an enormous graveyard

enormous graveyard

enormous graveyard where the bodies of the Dead lay

where the bodies of the Dead lay

where the bodies of the Dead lay together with the wounded and dying in

together with the wounded and dying in

together with the wounded and dying in the torrential rain that came to drench

the torrential rain that came to drench

the torrential rain that came to drench the battlefield

the battlefield

the battlefield I said that the rain seemed to be trying

I said that the rain seemed to be trying

I said that the rain seemed to be trying on Nature's behalf

on Nature's behalf

on Nature's behalf to wash away

to wash away

to wash away the bloodstains that the so-called

the bloodstains that the so-called

the bloodstains that the so-called civilized human beings were spilling on

civilized human beings were spilling on

civilized human beings were spilling on the surface of the Earth in that

the surface of the Earth in that

the surface of the Earth in that horrible rain at the bloody angle the

horrible rain at the bloody angle the

horrible rain at the bloody angle the union was able to just keep on pouring

union was able to just keep on pouring

union was able to just keep on pouring people against the rebel fortifications

people against the rebel fortifications

people against the rebel fortifications and and

Lee was still able bite into being

Lee was still able bite into being

Lee was still able bite into being properly dug in to hold out for a very

properly dug in to hold out for a very

properly dug in to hold out for a very long time

while this Carnage at Spotsylvania was

while this Carnage at Spotsylvania was

while this Carnage at Spotsylvania was taking place Sheridan was making

taking place Sheridan was making

taking place Sheridan was making progress to the rear of Lee's position

progress to the rear of Lee's position

progress to the rear of Lee's position where he began to pose a serious threat

where he began to pose a serious threat

where he began to pose a serious threat to Richmond

Sheridan orchestrated a campaign of

Sheridan orchestrated a campaign of

Sheridan orchestrated a campaign of Destruction that saw railroads ripped up

Destruction that saw railroads ripped up

Destruction that saw railroads ripped up the supplies destroyed supply lines cut

the supplies destroyed supply lines cut

the supplies destroyed supply lines cut and Telegraph lines torn down

on top of all this Sheridan claimed a

on top of all this Sheridan claimed a

on top of all this Sheridan claimed a famous scalp at the Battle of yellow

famous scalp at the Battle of yellow

famous scalp at the Battle of yellow Tavern where the legendary Confederate

Tavern where the legendary Confederate

Tavern where the legendary Confederate Cavalry man Jeb Stewart a southern icon

Cavalry man Jeb Stewart a southern icon

Cavalry man Jeb Stewart a southern icon and hero was killed Jeb Stewart was the

and hero was killed Jeb Stewart was the

and hero was killed Jeb Stewart was the last of the Cavaliers

last of the Cavaliers

last of the Cavaliers and he was nothing if not conspicuous he

and he was nothing if not conspicuous he

and he was nothing if not conspicuous he he'd ride around with this huge

he'd ride around with this huge

he'd ride around with this huge billowing silt lined cape and he had

billowing silt lined cape and he had

billowing silt lined cape and he had this sort of lush plumed slouch hat and

this sort of lush plumed slouch hat and

this sort of lush plumed slouch hat and you know he made a very inviting Target

you know he made a very inviting Target

you know he made a very inviting Target his his uniform was always getting

his his uniform was always getting

his his uniform was always getting snipped by bullets and I think at one

snipped by bullets and I think at one

snipped by bullets and I think at one point he actually had his mustache shot

point he actually had his mustache shot

point he actually had his mustache shot off his face or half of it you know I

off his face or half of it you know I

off his face or half of it you know I mean you know straight out of a Bugs

mean you know straight out of a Bugs

mean you know straight out of a Bugs Bunny cartoon really

Bunny cartoon really

Bunny cartoon really so that day at um yellow Tavern

so that day at um yellow Tavern

so that day at um yellow Tavern one of his aides warned him that he was

one of his aides warned him that he was

one of his aides warned him that he was too exposed

too exposed

too exposed um and and Stewart said you know

um and and Stewart said you know

um and and Stewart said you know nonsense there's no danger here and he

nonsense there's no danger here and he

nonsense there's no danger here and he rode to the front of his lines and was

rode to the front of his lines and was

rode to the front of his lines and was firing his pistol into the air

firing his pistol into the air

firing his pistol into the air to encourage his men and he caught a

to encourage his men and he caught a

to encourage his men and he caught a bullet in the belly from one of George

bullet in the belly from one of George

bullet in the belly from one of George Custer's Sharpshooters James your brown

Custer's Sharpshooters James your brown

Custer's Sharpshooters James your brown Stewart would die in his home state of

Stewart would die in his home state of

Stewart would die in his home state of Virginia at the Battle of yellow Tavern

Virginia at the Battle of yellow Tavern

Virginia at the Battle of yellow Tavern attempting as he always does to disrupt

attempting as he always does to disrupt

attempting as he always does to disrupt the federal lines and to cause Havoc

the federal lines and to cause Havoc

the federal lines and to cause Havoc amongst federal troops this time however

amongst federal troops this time however

amongst federal troops this time however his forces are overwhelmed and Union

his forces are overwhelmed and Union

his forces are overwhelmed and Union Cavalry using quick firing carbines as

Cavalry using quick firing carbines as

Cavalry using quick firing carbines as well as Union infantry catches Troopers

well as Union infantry catches Troopers

well as Union infantry catches Troopers in the open he dies as he lived fighting

in the open he dies as he lived fighting

in the open he dies as he lived fighting with pistol in hand

meanwhile in the battle of wits between

meanwhile in the battle of wits between

meanwhile in the battle of wits between Grant and Lee the scene had moved to a

Grant and Lee the scene had moved to a

Grant and Lee the scene had moved to a small Crossroads near the Chickahominy

small Crossroads near the Chickahominy

small Crossroads near the Chickahominy River called Cold Harbor

River called Cold Harbor

River called Cold Harbor this was to be yet another small

this was to be yet another small

this was to be yet another small insignificant point on the map that

insignificant point on the map that

insignificant point on the map that would achieve bloody infamy

would achieve bloody infamy

would achieve bloody infamy for despite the Maze of defensive

for despite the Maze of defensive

for despite the Maze of defensive Earthworks that confronted Grant and his

Earthworks that confronted Grant and his

Earthworks that confronted Grant and his troops when they arrived on the 31st of

troops when they arrived on the 31st of

troops when they arrived on the 31st of May the union Commander was determined

May the union Commander was determined

May the union Commander was determined to mount an all-out attack

to mount an all-out attack

to mount an all-out attack Grant was in Hot Pursuit of General Lee

Grant was in Hot Pursuit of General Lee

Grant was in Hot Pursuit of General Lee carrying out his strategy of trying to

carrying out his strategy of trying to

carrying out his strategy of trying to pin down and destroy those Southern

pin down and destroy those Southern

pin down and destroy those Southern forces

forces

forces however when he catches up with Lee at

however when he catches up with Lee at

however when he catches up with Lee at Cold Harbor he finds that Lee has his

Cold Harbor he finds that Lee has his

Cold Harbor he finds that Lee has his troops entrenched behind strong

troops entrenched behind strong

troops entrenched behind strong fortifications there were a couple of

fortifications there were a couple of

fortifications there were a couple of delays in transportation that allowed

delays in transportation that allowed

delays in transportation that allowed this to happen therefore Grant has two

this to happen therefore Grant has two

this to happen therefore Grant has two options one he could sit and wait and

options one he could sit and wait and

options one he could sit and wait and even possibly attempt to flank

even possibly attempt to flank

even possibly attempt to flank two he could attack

Grant being the risk taker that he is

Grant being the risk taker that he is

Grant being the risk taker that he is decides that he would use a large charge

decides that he would use a large charge

decides that he would use a large charge one momentous charge to try to crack the

one momentous charge to try to crack the

one momentous charge to try to crack the Confederate lines he should have learned

Confederate lines he should have learned

Confederate lines he should have learned by Lee's mistake at Gettysburg that this

by Lee's mistake at Gettysburg that this

by Lee's mistake at Gettysburg that this would be disastrous

at 4 30 a.m on June 2nd sixty thousand

at 4 30 a.m on June 2nd sixty thousand

at 4 30 a.m on June 2nd sixty thousand men began their fateful March towards

men began their fateful March towards

men began their fateful March towards the Confederate positions

the Confederate positions

the Confederate positions they get up

they get up

they get up out of the trenches

out of the trenches

out of the trenches they go over the top in the phrase of a

they go over the top in the phrase of a

they go over the top in the phrase of a later War

later War

later War and they attack the rebel trench system

and they attack the rebel trench system

and they attack the rebel trench system and the rebels just cut them to pieces

it's a good thing that Sam Grant

it's a good thing that Sam Grant

it's a good thing that Sam Grant can outspend Bobby Lee in human material

can outspend Bobby Lee in human material

can outspend Bobby Lee in human material because at Cold Harbor

because at Cold Harbor

because at Cold Harbor Grant does exactly that

men were cut to Pieces by the hail of

men were cut to Pieces by the hail of

men were cut to Pieces by the hail of Southern shot and shell and they fell in

Southern shot and shell and they fell in

Southern shot and shell and they fell in Tangled heaps as they tried to storm the

Tangled heaps as they tried to storm the

Tangled heaps as they tried to storm the Confederate defenses

Confederate defenses

Confederate defenses hardened veterans later claimed to have

hardened veterans later claimed to have

hardened veterans later claimed to have seen nothing like it even on The Killing

seen nothing like it even on The Killing

seen nothing like it even on The Killing Grounds of Antietam Fredericksburg

Grounds of Antietam Fredericksburg

Grounds of Antietam Fredericksburg Gettysburg and Spotsylvania

Gettysburg and Spotsylvania

Gettysburg and Spotsylvania [Music]

[Music]

[Music] it was not war wrote One confederate

it was not war wrote One confederate

it was not war wrote One confederate soldier it was murder

nothing was gained by the union assaults

nothing was gained by the union assaults

nothing was gained by the union assaults although Grant wrote after the war how

although Grant wrote after the war how

although Grant wrote after the war how much he regretted ordering the attack he

much he regretted ordering the attack he

much he regretted ordering the attack he seems to have had no doubts at the time

seems to have had no doubts at the time

seems to have had no doubts at the time for he certainly entertained the idea of

for he certainly entertained the idea of

for he certainly entertained the idea of a second assault

a second assault

a second assault Cold Harbor did a great deal of damage

Cold Harbor did a great deal of damage

Cold Harbor did a great deal of damage to Grant's reputation

and further fueled the northern Public's

and further fueled the northern Public's

and further fueled the northern Public's sense of War weariness and anger at the

sense of War weariness and anger at the

sense of War weariness and anger at the way the war was being prosecuted

way the war was being prosecuted

way the war was being prosecuted but the union Commander was nothing if

but the union Commander was nothing if

but the union Commander was nothing if not determined

not determined

not determined he redeemed himself within days of the

he redeemed himself within days of the

he redeemed himself within days of the Cold Harbor debacle with a brilliant

Cold Harbor debacle with a brilliant

Cold Harbor debacle with a brilliant tactical maneuver across the James River

tactical maneuver across the James River

tactical maneuver across the James River that convinced Lee that the federal

that convinced Lee that the federal

that convinced Lee that the federal forces were intending to attack Richmond

forces were intending to attack Richmond

forces were intending to attack Richmond in fact Grant's real objective was

in fact Grant's real objective was

in fact Grant's real objective was Petersburg a town and vital rail

Petersburg a town and vital rail

Petersburg a town and vital rail Junction that laid to the south of

Junction that laid to the south of

Junction that laid to the south of Richmond and the place from where the

Richmond and the place from where the

Richmond and the place from where the Confederate Capital received many of its

Confederate Capital received many of its

Confederate Capital received many of its supplies Grant's plan was obvious

supplies Grant's plan was obvious

supplies Grant's plan was obvious capture Petersburg cut off supplies to

capture Petersburg cut off supplies to

capture Petersburg cut off supplies to Richmond and starve it into surrender

Richmond and starve it into surrender

Richmond and starve it into surrender Petersburg was almost completely

Petersburg was almost completely

Petersburg was almost completely undefended I think there were like five

undefended I think there were like five

undefended I think there were like five thousand of uh Beauregard's men holding

thousand of uh Beauregard's men holding

thousand of uh Beauregard's men holding out against a federal assault you know

out against a federal assault you know

out against a federal assault you know three times

three times

three times as large

as large

as large and Beauregard had actually sent a

and Beauregard had actually sent a

and Beauregard had actually sent a messenger to Lee pleading for

messenger to Lee pleading for

messenger to Lee pleading for reinforcements and Lee refused he said

reinforcements and Lee refused he said

reinforcements and Lee refused he said no you must be mistaken Grant hasn't

no you must be mistaken Grant hasn't

no you must be mistaken Grant hasn't moved any of his forces south of the

moved any of his forces south of the

moved any of his forces south of the James River so

James River so

James River so Petersburg really was there for the

Petersburg really was there for the

Petersburg really was there for the taking

taking

taking and the north blew it perhaps because

and the north blew it perhaps because

and the north blew it perhaps because the recent memory of the failed assaults

the recent memory of the failed assaults

the recent memory of the failed assaults at Cold Harbor was still on the minds of

at Cold Harbor was still on the minds of

at Cold Harbor was still on the minds of the commander the union commanders they

the commander the union commanders they

the commander the union commanders they failed to use their overwhelming

failed to use their overwhelming

failed to use their overwhelming numerical superiority to punch through

numerical superiority to punch through

numerical superiority to punch through the Confederate defenses

the Confederate defenses

the Confederate defenses and what happened is Lee is able to get

and what happened is Lee is able to get

and what happened is Lee is able to get his soldiers in to the Petersburg

his soldiers in to the Petersburg

his soldiers in to the Petersburg defenses which were already well

defenses which were already well

defenses which were already well constructed trench lines strong points

constructed trench lines strong points

constructed trench lines strong points abbati other sorts of obstacles he was

abbati other sorts of obstacles he was

abbati other sorts of obstacles he was able to get his troops behind those

able to get his troops behind those

able to get his troops behind those defenses while the rest of the army

defenses while the rest of the army

defenses while the rest of the army Potomac comes up and by the time Lee

Potomac comes up and by the time Lee

Potomac comes up and by the time Lee gets his army in there the army of

gets his army in there the army of

gets his army in there the army of Northern Virginia combined with

Northern Virginia combined with

Northern Virginia combined with Beauregard's forces will prove to be a

Beauregard's forces will prove to be a

Beauregard's forces will prove to be a formidable Force Grant will realize that

formidable Force Grant will realize that

formidable Force Grant will realize that I'm going to have to settle down to a

I'm going to have to settle down to a

I'm going to have to settle down to a Siege once again

Siege once again

Siege once again Petersburg poorly defended and ripe for

Petersburg poorly defended and ripe for

Petersburg poorly defended and ripe for the taking trembled in anticipation of a

the taking trembled in anticipation of a

the taking trembled in anticipation of a huge northern attack

but it never came and a glaring

but it never came and a glaring

but it never came and a glaring opportunity to shorten the war was lost

[Music]

if the beleaguered President Lincoln

if the beleaguered President Lincoln

if the beleaguered President Lincoln thought that matters could get no worse

thought that matters could get no worse

thought that matters could get no worse for the north he was wrong

for the north he was wrong

for the north he was wrong within weeks Confederate forces under

within weeks Confederate forces under

within weeks Confederate forces under General Jubal a early who was detached

General Jubal a early who was detached

General Jubal a early who was detached from the army of Northern Virginia had

from the army of Northern Virginia had

from the army of Northern Virginia had crossed the Potomac to stand on

crossed the Potomac to stand on

crossed the Potomac to stand on Washington's very doorstep

early it come from the Shenandoah Valley

early it come from the Shenandoah Valley

early it come from the Shenandoah Valley where all attempts to defeat the

where all attempts to defeat the

where all attempts to defeat the southern forces had failed

southern forces had failed

southern forces had failed but early's Confederate Army was small

but early's Confederate Army was small

but early's Confederate Army was small perhaps some fifteen thousand men and it

perhaps some fifteen thousand men and it

perhaps some fifteen thousand men and it had no hope of overwhelming Washington

had no hope of overwhelming Washington

had no hope of overwhelming Washington let alone holding it

so early took his troops back into

so early took his troops back into

so early took his troops back into Virginia but not before part of his

Virginia but not before part of his

Virginia but not before part of his raiding Force burnt down the

raiding Force burnt down the

raiding Force burnt down the Pennsylvania town of Chambersburg

Pennsylvania town of Chambersburg

Pennsylvania town of Chambersburg Act of Retribution for similar acts in

Act of Retribution for similar acts in

Act of Retribution for similar acts in many parts of the South

at the siege of Petersburg there came a

at the siege of Petersburg there came a

at the siege of Petersburg there came a new development the brainchild of one of

new development the brainchild of one of

new development the brainchild of one of Ambrose burnside's officers

Ambrose burnside's officers

Ambrose burnside's officers [Music]

[Music]

[Music] a long tunnel was dug under the

a long tunnel was dug under the

a long tunnel was dug under the Confederate positions

Confederate positions

Confederate positions it was packed with nearly four tons of

it was packed with nearly four tons of

it was packed with nearly four tons of gunpowder and intended to blow

gunpowder and intended to blow

gunpowder and intended to blow everything and everyone above it to

everything and everyone above it to

everything and everyone above it to smithereens

smithereens

smithereens then northern troops would storm what

then northern troops would storm what

then northern troops would storm what remained of the Southern lines

remained of the Southern lines

remained of the Southern lines [Music]

on July 30th the enormous explosion tore

on July 30th the enormous explosion tore

on July 30th the enormous explosion tore the Confederate lines apart

the Confederate lines apart

the Confederate lines apart spewing Earth debris and human bodies

spewing Earth debris and human bodies

spewing Earth debris and human bodies into the air there was panic and

into the air there was panic and

into the air there was panic and confusion among the surviving Southern

confusion among the surviving Southern

confusion among the surviving Southern troops as they surveyed the huge crater

troops as they surveyed the huge crater

troops as they surveyed the huge crater left by the blast

left by the blast

left by the blast tragically phase two of the operation

tragically phase two of the operation

tragically phase two of the operation did not proceed so smoothly in fact it

did not proceed so smoothly in fact it

did not proceed so smoothly in fact it was to provide the war with another of

was to provide the war with another of

was to provide the war with another of its great costly disasters

its great costly disasters

its great costly disasters it took a month to dig

it took a month to dig

it took a month to dig 500 yards across no man's land

500 yards across no man's land

500 yards across no man's land and put four tons of dynamite

and put four tons of dynamite

and put four tons of dynamite into the mine that went under the rubble

into the mine that went under the rubble

into the mine that went under the rubble line

line

line an entire regiment disappeared into the

an entire regiment disappeared into the

an entire regiment disappeared into the Earth

Earth

Earth when the union blew that mind

when the union blew that mind

when the union blew that mind and the union charges into that breach

and the union charges into that breach

and the union charges into that breach and they get to the rim of the crater

and they get to the rim of the crater

and they get to the rim of the crater they are as stupefied and as in awe as

they are as stupefied and as in awe as

they are as stupefied and as in awe as the Confederates

the Confederates

the Confederates about 300 Confederate soldiers have been

about 300 Confederate soldiers have been

about 300 Confederate soldiers have been blown to Smithereens there's body parts

blown to Smithereens there's body parts

blown to Smithereens there's body parts lying all around there's a 30-foot deep

lying all around there's a 30-foot deep

lying all around there's a 30-foot deep hole in the ground

these soldiers basically just Mill

these soldiers basically just Mill

these soldiers basically just Mill around some of them are foolish enough

around some of them are foolish enough

around some of them are foolish enough to actually go down inside the crater

to actually go down inside the crater

to actually go down inside the crater the whole

the whole

the whole blasted by the union miners is just wide

blasted by the union miners is just wide

blasted by the union miners is just wide enough to pack a whole lot of Union guys

enough to pack a whole lot of Union guys

enough to pack a whole lot of Union guys into

into

into and and pack them into a killing ground

and and pack them into a killing ground

and and pack them into a killing ground and they were massacred

and they were massacred

and they were massacred by the rebel forces to either flank they

by the rebel forces to either flank they

by the rebel forces to either flank they were massacred by Rebel artillery in

were massacred by Rebel artillery in

were massacred by Rebel artillery in depth and the result was that they'd

depth and the result was that they'd

depth and the result was that they'd blown physically a big hole in the

blown physically a big hole in the

blown physically a big hole in the rubble line

rubble line

rubble line but it was a matter of uh of of minutes

but it was a matter of uh of of minutes

but it was a matter of uh of of minutes really for Rebel soldiers to dig a new

really for Rebel soldiers to dig a new

really for Rebel soldiers to dig a new line of trenches

line of trenches

line of trenches around the edge

around the edge

around the edge of that mine at Petersburg and there was

of that mine at Petersburg and there was

of that mine at Petersburg and there was a physical hole in the Rebel line but

a physical hole in the Rebel line but

a physical hole in the Rebel line but the rebel defense was not disrupted

the unremitting bad news for the Union

the unremitting bad news for the Union

the unremitting bad news for the Union in the first half of 1864 had hardly

in the first half of 1864 had hardly

in the first half of 1864 had hardly helped President Lincoln's chances of

helped President Lincoln's chances of

helped President Lincoln's chances of re-election

re-election

re-election [Music]

[Music]

[Music] oh

oh

oh Lincoln himself expected to lose and the

Lincoln himself expected to lose and the

Lincoln himself expected to lose and the election campaign was given an edge when

election campaign was given an edge when

election campaign was given an edge when the Democrats announced their nominee he

the Democrats announced their nominee he

the Democrats announced their nominee he was none other than George B McClellan

was none other than George B McClellan

was none other than George B McClellan the man who had once commanded the army

the man who had once commanded the army

the man who had once commanded the army of the Potomac and who had been

of the Potomac and who had been

of the Potomac and who had been dismissed by Lincoln McClellan it seemed

dismissed by Lincoln McClellan it seemed

dismissed by Lincoln McClellan it seemed was back to have his revenge

with the odds stacked against him only

with the odds stacked against him only

with the odds stacked against him only final victory in the field would help

final victory in the field would help

final victory in the field would help Lincoln's campaign

Lincoln's campaign

Lincoln's campaign renewed hope for this came in the

renewed hope for this came in the

renewed hope for this came in the formidable shape of William T Sherman

formidable shape of William T Sherman

formidable shape of William T Sherman Who was appointed and ordered by Grant

Who was appointed and ordered by Grant

Who was appointed and ordered by Grant to take the prize of Atlanta Georgia

to take the prize of Atlanta Georgia

to take the prize of Atlanta Georgia the rebel Army

the rebel Army

the rebel Army and do the the math as well as anybody

and do the the math as well as anybody

and do the the math as well as anybody else they look at a map and they see

else they look at a map and they see

else they look at a map and they see that Chattanooga to Atlanta

that Chattanooga to Atlanta

that Chattanooga to Atlanta which was the the industrial Heartland

which was the the industrial Heartland

which was the the industrial Heartland if there was one of the Confederacy

if there was one of the Confederacy

if there was one of the Confederacy was uh 100 miles about the same distance

was uh 100 miles about the same distance

was uh 100 miles about the same distance as Washington to Richmond

as Washington to Richmond

as Washington to Richmond and they'd spent the whole War bashing

and they'd spent the whole War bashing

and they'd spent the whole War bashing their heads against the problem of

their heads against the problem of

their heads against the problem of getting to Richmond

getting to Richmond

getting to Richmond because that was the political heart of

because that was the political heart of

because that was the political heart of the Confederacy well why not just go

the Confederacy well why not just go

the Confederacy well why not just go from Chattanooga to Richmond

from Chattanooga to Richmond

from Chattanooga to Richmond the industrial heart of the Confederacy

the industrial heart of the Confederacy

the industrial heart of the Confederacy won the war that way

won the war that way

won the war that way so while Grant

so while Grant

so while Grant as General in Chief is personally

as General in Chief is personally

as General in Chief is personally commanding the Army in the politically

commanding the Army in the politically

commanding the Army in the politically sensitive East

sensitive East

sensitive East Sherman

Sherman

Sherman is going for Atlanta from the West

is going for Atlanta from the West

is going for Atlanta from the West Sherman in his uh total war strategy did

Sherman in his uh total war strategy did

Sherman in his uh total war strategy did something that many soldiers or many

something that many soldiers or many

something that many soldiers or many generals at this time were afraid to do

generals at this time were afraid to do

generals at this time were afraid to do he would cut away from his Supply base

he would cut away from his Supply base

he would cut away from his Supply base so that he wouldn't have soldiers

so that he wouldn't have soldiers

so that he wouldn't have soldiers stretched out for long distances so he

stretched out for long distances so he

stretched out for long distances so he wouldn't be relying on supplies are so

wouldn't be relying on supplies are so

wouldn't be relying on supplies are so far away that could be possibly cut off

far away that could be possibly cut off

far away that could be possibly cut off by Confederate Cavalry allow his army to

by Confederate Cavalry allow his army to

by Confederate Cavalry allow his army to live on the land and move as needed it

live on the land and move as needed it

live on the land and move as needed it gave him a lot of freedom

gave him a lot of freedom

gave him a lot of freedom the rebels strategy for dealing with

the rebels strategy for dealing with

the rebels strategy for dealing with Sherman's Advance towards Atlanta

Sherman's Advance towards Atlanta

Sherman's Advance towards Atlanta is essentially to give him enough rope

is essentially to give him enough rope

is essentially to give him enough rope to hang himself let him come let him

to hang himself let him come let him

to hang himself let him come let him come let him come he'll make a mistake

come let him come he'll make a mistake

come let him come he'll make a mistake and we'll destroy him

and we'll destroy him

and we'll destroy him but he never makes the big mistake

but he never makes the big mistake

but he never makes the big mistake and by the time they realize that there

and by the time they realize that there

and by the time they realize that there is William Tecumseh Sherman

is William Tecumseh Sherman

is William Tecumseh Sherman and he's standing outside Atlanta in the

and he's standing outside Atlanta in the

and he's standing outside Atlanta in the city of Atlanta self there was utter

city of Atlanta self there was utter

city of Atlanta self there was utter panic and its citizens desperate to

panic and its citizens desperate to

panic and its citizens desperate to escape from the oncoming Union Army soon

escape from the oncoming Union Army soon

escape from the oncoming Union Army soon crowded the roads that led out of the

crowded the roads that led out of the

crowded the roads that led out of the city

city

city [Music]

[Music]

[Music] in a last throw of the dice Jefferson

in a last throw of the dice Jefferson

in a last throw of the dice Jefferson Davis decided on a new Commander for the

Davis decided on a new Commander for the

Davis decided on a new Commander for the defending Southern Army replacing

defending Southern Army replacing

defending Southern Army replacing General Joe Johnson with the 31 year old

General Joe Johnson with the 31 year old

General Joe Johnson with the 31 year old one-legged John Bell Hood

one-legged John Bell Hood

one-legged John Bell Hood despite having lost the use of an arm at

despite having lost the use of an arm at

despite having lost the use of an arm at Gettysburg Hood was patently unsuited to

Gettysburg Hood was patently unsuited to

Gettysburg Hood was patently unsuited to high command

high command

high command his attempts to Halt Sherman's Advance

his attempts to Halt Sherman's Advance

his attempts to Halt Sherman's Advance ended in bloody and very costly defeats

ended in bloody and very costly defeats

ended in bloody and very costly defeats [Music]

[Music]

[Music] Union shells soon began to fall on

Union shells soon began to fall on

Union shells soon began to fall on Atlanta

Atlanta

Atlanta a bombardment that was maintained with

a bombardment that was maintained with

a bombardment that was maintained with ruthless efficiency by Sherman despite

ruthless efficiency by Sherman despite

ruthless efficiency by Sherman despite Hood's protests that innocent civilians

Hood's protests that innocent civilians

Hood's protests that innocent civilians Were In Harm's Way

Were In Harm's Way

Were In Harm's Way on September 1st 1864 Atlanta fell

Sherman recognizes that in modern

Sherman recognizes that in modern

Sherman recognizes that in modern industrial War

industrial War

industrial War the idea that a citizen is non-combatant

the idea that a citizen is non-combatant

the idea that a citizen is non-combatant even though he works in a factory making

even though he works in a factory making

even though he works in a factory making artillery rounds or making wagons to

artillery rounds or making wagons to

artillery rounds or making wagons to haul the artillery rounds or dealing in

haul the artillery rounds or dealing in

haul the artillery rounds or dealing in horses to pull the wagons to carry the

horses to pull the wagons to carry the

horses to pull the wagons to carry the artillery rounds the citizens of Atlanta

artillery rounds the citizens of Atlanta

artillery rounds the citizens of Atlanta could not be viewed as non-combatants in

could not be viewed as non-combatants in

could not be viewed as non-combatants in a modern industrial War

a modern industrial War

a modern industrial War and therefore Sherman had to destroy

and therefore Sherman had to destroy

and therefore Sherman had to destroy Atlanta

Atlanta

Atlanta and when mayor Calhoun of Atlanta

and when mayor Calhoun of Atlanta

and when mayor Calhoun of Atlanta pleaded

pleaded

pleaded with with Sherman don't destroy our city

with with Sherman don't destroy our city

with with Sherman don't destroy our city as Sherman replied in the famous phrase

as Sherman replied in the famous phrase

as Sherman replied in the famous phrase war is cruelty and you cannot refine it

war is cruelty and you cannot refine it

war is cruelty and you cannot refine it often often translated justice as war is

often often translated justice as war is

often often translated justice as war is hell

Atlanta is ours and fairly one wrote

Atlanta is ours and fairly one wrote

Atlanta is ours and fairly one wrote Sherman to a relieved Lincoln

while the north rejoiced the federal

while the north rejoiced the federal

while the north rejoiced the federal army put the city to the torch

army put the city to the torch

army put the city to the torch only churches and some private

only churches and some private

only churches and some private residences were spared

Abraham Lincoln's presidential prospects

Abraham Lincoln's presidential prospects

Abraham Lincoln's presidential prospects Rose phoenix-like from the

Rose phoenix-like from the

Rose phoenix-like from the companies of Atlanta

companies of Atlanta

companies of Atlanta [Music]

[Music]

[Music] the tide was turning now it was the

the tide was turning now it was the

the tide was turning now it was the South receiving all the bad news

hard on the heels of the fall of Mobile

hard on the heels of the fall of Mobile

hard on the heels of the fall of Mobile Bay and Atlanta came word of events in

Bay and Atlanta came word of events in

Bay and Atlanta came word of events in the Shenandoah Valley where Grant had

the Shenandoah Valley where Grant had

the Shenandoah Valley where Grant had entrusted to Philip Sheridan the task of

entrusted to Philip Sheridan the task of

entrusted to Philip Sheridan the task of finally clearing the valley of

finally clearing the valley of

finally clearing the valley of Confederates

pugnacious of Ruthless cavalrymen and

pugnacious of Ruthless cavalrymen and

pugnacious of Ruthless cavalrymen and once again gone about his task with

once again gone about his task with

once again gone about his task with gusto

the whole country from the Blue Ridge to

the whole country from the Blue Ridge to

the whole country from the Blue Ridge to the north mountains has been made

the north mountains has been made

the north mountains has been made untenable for a rebel Army I have

untenable for a rebel Army I have

untenable for a rebel Army I have destroyed over 2 000 bonds filled with

destroyed over 2 000 bonds filled with

destroyed over 2 000 bonds filled with wheat and hay and 70 mils driven 4 000

wheat and hay and 70 mils driven 4 000

wheat and hay and 70 mils driven 4 000 head of stock before the Army and killed

head of stock before the Army and killed

head of stock before the Army and killed three thousand sheep

three thousand sheep

three thousand sheep when I am through

when I am through

when I am through the valley will have but little in it

the valley will have but little in it

the valley will have but little in it from man or beast

at Cedar Creek on October 19th General

at Cedar Creek on October 19th General

at Cedar Creek on October 19th General early attacked Sheridan's Army as it

early attacked Sheridan's Army as it

early attacked Sheridan's Army as it slept achieving a significant Advantage

slept achieving a significant Advantage

slept achieving a significant Advantage but the diminutive Union Commander

but the diminutive Union Commander

but the diminutive Union Commander somehow rallied his troops and drove the

somehow rallied his troops and drove the

somehow rallied his troops and drove the Confederates from the field

Confederates from the field

Confederates from the field three thousand Southern troops were lost

three thousand Southern troops were lost

three thousand Southern troops were lost in this final attempt to keep the

in this final attempt to keep the

in this final attempt to keep the Shenandoah Valley open to the

Shenandoah Valley open to the

Shenandoah Valley open to the Confederacy

when you think about it it's quite

when you think about it it's quite

when you think about it it's quite remarkable that the presidential

remarkable that the presidential

remarkable that the presidential election of 1864 ever took place at all

election of 1864 ever took place at all

election of 1864 ever took place at all the countries in the midst of a civil

the countries in the midst of a civil

the countries in the midst of a civil war a bloody Civil War and now you're

war a bloody Civil War and now you're

war a bloody Civil War and now you're going to hold a free election in one

going to hold a free election in one

going to hold a free election in one section of the country

section of the country

section of the country but that was what made the Republic

but that was what made the Republic

but that was what made the Republic great at that time

great at that time

great at that time the election of 1864 was basically a

the election of 1864 was basically a

the election of 1864 was basically a referendum on two things the

referendum on two things the

referendum on two things the continuation of the war to the final

continuation of the war to the final

continuation of the war to the final surrender of the Confederacy and it was

surrender of the Confederacy and it was

surrender of the Confederacy and it was referendum on emancipation

the wart lasted longer than a lot of

the wart lasted longer than a lot of

the wart lasted longer than a lot of people had expected you had peace

people had expected you had peace

people had expected you had peace Democrats calling for peace there was

Democrats calling for peace there was

Democrats calling for peace there was wariness with throughout the north

wariness with throughout the north

wariness with throughout the north however

however

however it sets a precedence because Americans

it sets a precedence because Americans

it sets a precedence because Americans though they may have disagreed with

though they may have disagreed with

though they may have disagreed with Lincoln were not ready to change horses

Lincoln were not ready to change horses

Lincoln were not ready to change horses in the middle of the stream especially

in the middle of the stream especially

in the middle of the stream especially if this horse was Victorious and when

if this horse was Victorious and when

if this horse was Victorious and when Sherman was able to capture the capture

Sherman was able to capture the capture

Sherman was able to capture the capture Atlanta which is the gem of the South it

Atlanta which is the gem of the South it

Atlanta which is the gem of the South it was just one more Victory one more star

was just one more Victory one more star

was just one more Victory one more star on Lincoln's shoulder and so American

on Lincoln's shoulder and so American

on Lincoln's shoulder and so American people thought if we are going to win

people thought if we are going to win

people thought if we are going to win the war and if this President is winning

the war and if this President is winning

the war and if this President is winning the war well maybe we should stay with

the war well maybe we should stay with

the war well maybe we should stay with him

him

him [Applause]

[Applause]

[Applause] on November 8 1864 Abraham Lincoln was

on November 8 1864 Abraham Lincoln was

on November 8 1864 Abraham Lincoln was re-elected as president

it was a remarkable personal Triumph for

it was a remarkable personal Triumph for

it was a remarkable personal Triumph for Lincoln and another humiliation for

Lincoln and another humiliation for

Lincoln and another humiliation for McClellan who had carried only three

McClellan who had carried only three

McClellan who had carried only three states Kentucky Delaware and New Jersey

states Kentucky Delaware and New Jersey

states Kentucky Delaware and New Jersey with 54 percent of the popular vote

with 54 percent of the popular vote

with 54 percent of the popular vote Lincoln had his mandate from the country

Lincoln had his mandate from the country

Lincoln had his mandate from the country and McClellan who was particularly

and McClellan who was particularly

and McClellan who was particularly graceless in defeat hurried off to

graceless in defeat hurried off to

graceless in defeat hurried off to Europe cursing his opponent and the

Europe cursing his opponent and the

Europe cursing his opponent and the result

most gratifying for Lincoln must have

most gratifying for Lincoln must have

most gratifying for Lincoln must have been the results of the vote from the

been the results of the vote from the

been the results of the vote from the Army 78 percent of serving soldiers had

Army 78 percent of serving soldiers had

Army 78 percent of serving soldiers had voted Republican

voted Republican

voted Republican had Lincoln lost and McClellan won the

had Lincoln lost and McClellan won the

had Lincoln lost and McClellan won the South may have gained its independence

South may have gained its independence

South may have gained its independence and the north may have had to go to war

and the north may have had to go to war

and the north may have had to go to war again with the southern Confederacy in

again with the southern Confederacy in

again with the southern Confederacy in an attempt to reunify slavery would have

an attempt to reunify slavery would have

an attempt to reunify slavery would have lasted a lot longer or the United States

lasted a lot longer or the United States

lasted a lot longer or the United States may have just remained split in half won

may have just remained split in half won

may have just remained split in half won the U.S other the CSA

the U.S other the CSA

the U.S other the CSA but with the re-election of Lincoln

but with the re-election of Lincoln

but with the re-election of Lincoln the north pursued reunification and was

the north pursued reunification and was

the north pursued reunification and was successful in bringing the southern

successful in bringing the southern

successful in bringing the southern states back into the fold

with the political uncertainty behind

with the political uncertainty behind

with the political uncertainty behind him Lincoln was once again able to turn

him Lincoln was once again able to turn

him Lincoln was once again able to turn his full attention to military matters

his full attention to military matters

his full attention to military matters he now had formidable commanders to

he now had formidable commanders to

he now had formidable commanders to steer the north to Victory

steer the north to Victory

steer the north to Victory Grant Sherman and Sheridan had all

Grant Sherman and Sheridan had all

Grant Sherman and Sheridan had all proved themselves ready willing and able

proved themselves ready willing and able

proved themselves ready willing and able to bring the South to its knees

to bring the South to its knees

to bring the South to its knees all had made costly mistakes but had

all had made costly mistakes but had

all had made costly mistakes but had also won vital victories and Lincoln

also won vital victories and Lincoln

also won vital victories and Lincoln knew that these were the men upon whom

knew that these were the men upon whom

knew that these were the men upon whom he must rely to finally defeat the

he must rely to finally defeat the

he must rely to finally defeat the Confederacy

Sherman like Sheridan a most ruthless

Sherman like Sheridan a most ruthless

Sherman like Sheridan a most ruthless advocate of Total War begged to be

advocate of Total War begged to be

advocate of Total War begged to be allowed to take his army through Georgia

allowed to take his army through Georgia

allowed to take his army through Georgia towards Savannah before turning North

towards Savannah before turning North

towards Savannah before turning North through the Carolinas and into Virginia

through the Carolinas and into Virginia

through the Carolinas and into Virginia [Music]

[Music]

[Music] I intend to make Georgia howl promised

I intend to make Georgia howl promised

I intend to make Georgia howl promised German not noted for going back on his

German not noted for going back on his

German not noted for going back on his word

word

word [Music]

[Music]

[Music] and so in mid-november 1864 Sherman's

and so in mid-november 1864 Sherman's

and so in mid-november 1864 Sherman's Army of 62 000 men in two vast columns

Army of 62 000 men in two vast columns

Army of 62 000 men in two vast columns set off on its 300 mile March towards

set off on its 300 mile March towards

set off on its 300 mile March towards Savannah and the sea

Savannah and the sea

Savannah and the sea they burned destroyed plundered and

they burned destroyed plundered and

they burned destroyed plundered and pillaged as they went

pillaged as they went

pillaged as they went [Music]

[Music]

[Music] we destroyed all we could not eat burned

we destroyed all we could not eat burned

we destroyed all we could not eat burned their cotton and gin's spill their

their cotton and gin's spill their

their cotton and gin's spill their sorghum burned and twisted their

sorghum burned and twisted their

sorghum burned and twisted their railroads and raised hell generally

railroads and raised hell generally

railroads and raised hell generally wrote One Union soldier

wrote One Union soldier

wrote One Union soldier [Music]

[Music]

[Music] One Plantation owner who was left with

One Plantation owner who was left with

One Plantation owner who was left with nothing after Sherman's Army had moved

nothing after Sherman's Army had moved

nothing after Sherman's Army had moved on remembered

on remembered

on remembered they came on like demons

the end result of Sherman's uh

the end result of Sherman's uh

the end result of Sherman's uh destructive war that he's waging on the

destructive war that he's waging on the

destructive war that he's waging on the southern people is it it demonstrates to

southern people is it it demonstrates to

southern people is it it demonstrates to these people that their governments

these people that their governments

these people that their governments their state government and their the

their state government and their the

their state government and their the confederate government Richmond is not

confederate government Richmond is not

confederate government Richmond is not upholding one of its its important

upholding one of its its important

upholding one of its its important missions which is to protect them women

missions which is to protect them women

missions which is to protect them women who live in those areas and whose

who live in those areas and whose

who live in those areas and whose husbands are off fighting the war with

husbands are off fighting the war with

husbands are off fighting the war with the Confederate armies are writing

the Confederate armies are writing

the Confederate armies are writing letters saying you know the union union

letters saying you know the union union

letters saying you know the union union vandals have come through and destroyed

vandals have come through and destroyed

vandals have come through and destroyed the farm have taken our our food you

the farm have taken our our food you

the farm have taken our our food you know we have nothing to eat and what

know we have nothing to eat and what

know we have nothing to eat and what will happen is that men will begin to

will happen is that men will begin to

will happen is that men will begin to desert in large numbers to go home and

desert in large numbers to go home and

desert in large numbers to go home and to defend their families

to defend their families

to defend their families it makes Jefferson Davis look

it makes Jefferson Davis look

it makes Jefferson Davis look particularly impotent he's having a

particularly impotent he's having a

particularly impotent he's having a difficult time controlling uh the

difficult time controlling uh the

difficult time controlling uh the governors of some of the Southern States

governors of some of the Southern States

governors of some of the Southern States in particular Georgia and North Carolina

in particular Georgia and North Carolina

in particular Georgia and North Carolina he's going to have a much tougher time

he's going to have a much tougher time

he's going to have a much tougher time after Sherman's March but by this time

after Sherman's March but by this time

after Sherman's March but by this time the end of the Confederacy is in sight

the end of the Confederacy is in sight

the end of the Confederacy is in sight anyway

meanwhile John Bell Hood did his best to

meanwhile John Bell Hood did his best to

meanwhile John Bell Hood did his best to distract Sherman by invading Tennessee

distract Sherman by invading Tennessee

distract Sherman by invading Tennessee the union Commander ignored him and in

the union Commander ignored him and in

the union Commander ignored him and in any case only had to wait until November

any case only had to wait until November

any case only had to wait until November 30th when Hood came to grief at Franklin

30th when Hood came to grief at Franklin

30th when Hood came to grief at Franklin at the hands of George Thomas's Union

at the hands of George Thomas's Union

at the hands of George Thomas's Union force

here more than a quarter of Hood's once

here more than a quarter of Hood's once

here more than a quarter of Hood's once proud Army of Tennessee was killed or

proud Army of Tennessee was killed or

proud Army of Tennessee was killed or wounded and the remainder was scattered

wounded and the remainder was scattered

wounded and the remainder was scattered in confused defeat

in confused defeat

in confused defeat six Confederate generals were killed

six Confederate generals were killed

six Confederate generals were killed including Patrick R Claiborne known in

including Patrick R Claiborne known in

including Patrick R Claiborne known in the southern Army as the Stonewall of

the southern Army as the Stonewall of

the southern Army as the Stonewall of the West

the West

the West [Music]

[Music]

[Music] although there was no doubting Hood's

although there was no doubting Hood's

although there was no doubting Hood's Devotion to the cause better to die a

Devotion to the cause better to die a

Devotion to the cause better to die a thousand deaths than to submit to live

thousand deaths than to submit to live

thousand deaths than to submit to live under you he had told the north the

under you he had told the north the

under you he had told the north the gamble to place him in command had

gamble to place him in command had

gamble to place him in command had failed

at the Battle of Nashville on December

at the Battle of Nashville on December

at the Battle of Nashville on December 15 the army of Tennessee was virtually

15 the army of Tennessee was virtually

15 the army of Tennessee was virtually destroyed and within weeks Hood tendered

destroyed and within weeks Hood tendered

destroyed and within weeks Hood tendered his resignation Sherman estimated that

his resignation Sherman estimated that

his resignation Sherman estimated that he'd caused about a hundred million

he'd caused about a hundred million

he'd caused about a hundred million dollars worth of damage on that March so

dollars worth of damage on that March so

dollars worth of damage on that March so when the shortages really began to hit

when the shortages really began to hit

when the shortages really began to hit the Confederacy that's when Southern

the Confederacy that's when Southern

the Confederacy that's when Southern morale

morale

morale went into its final uh decline certainly

went into its final uh decline certainly

went into its final uh decline certainly the the Confederate

the the Confederate

the the Confederate um officer of ordinance the Secretary of

um officer of ordinance the Secretary of

um officer of ordinance the Secretary of of uh the chief of ordinance was saying

of uh the chief of ordinance was saying

of uh the chief of ordinance was saying that there was no money in the treasury

that there was no money in the treasury

that there was no money in the treasury there there was no food to feed Lee's

there there was no food to feed Lee's

there there was no food to feed Lee's army uh he he couldn't find any troops

army uh he he couldn't find any troops

army uh he he couldn't find any troops to chase Sherman anywhere the money had

to chase Sherman anywhere the money had

to chase Sherman anywhere the money had run out and meanwhile Lincoln was

run out and meanwhile Lincoln was

run out and meanwhile Lincoln was telling his Congress that his resources

telling his Congress that his resources

telling his Congress that his resources were unexhausted and in fact

were unexhausted and in fact

were unexhausted and in fact inexhaustible as long as

inexhaustible as long as

inexhaustible as long as Robert Lee

Robert Lee

Robert Lee could himself oppose anyone trying to

could himself oppose anyone trying to

could himself oppose anyone trying to get into the heartland of the

get into the heartland of the

get into the heartland of the Confederacy as long as the Western

Confederacy as long as the Western

Confederacy as long as the Western theater was far away

theater was far away

theater was far away far from the day-to-day concerns

far from the day-to-day concerns

far from the day-to-day concerns certainly of Richmond

certainly of Richmond

certainly of Richmond it was possible for

it was possible for

it was possible for the Confederacy as as a body politic

the Confederacy as as a body politic

the Confederacy as as a body politic to pretend that they could be defended

to pretend that they could be defended

to pretend that they could be defended and they could be preserved by the

and they could be preserved by the

and they could be preserved by the military genius

military genius

military genius of Robert E Lee

but as

but as

but as Grant came

Grant came

Grant came crushing down from the north

crushing down from the north

crushing down from the north through Virginia

through Virginia

through Virginia and as Sherman came roaring

and as Sherman came roaring

and as Sherman came roaring through the South

through the South

through the South from the west through through Georgia

from the west through through Georgia

from the west through through Georgia marching to the Sea

marching to the Sea

marching to the Sea it was demonstrated quite clearly to the

it was demonstrated quite clearly to the

it was demonstrated quite clearly to the Confederacy

Confederacy

Confederacy that as a state they could not survive

that as a state they could not survive

that as a state they could not survive against the United States

on December 21st Savannah fell to

on December 21st Savannah fell to

on December 21st Savannah fell to Sherman's Army

I beg to present you as a Christmas gift

I beg to present you as a Christmas gift

I beg to present you as a Christmas gift he wrote to a delighted Lincoln the town

he wrote to a delighted Lincoln the town

he wrote to a delighted Lincoln the town of Savannah with 100 heavy guns

of Savannah with 100 heavy guns

of Savannah with 100 heavy guns plentiful ammunition and 25

plentiful ammunition and 25

plentiful ammunition and 25 000 bales of cotton

the new year of 1865 brought little

the new year of 1865 brought little

the new year of 1865 brought little Prospect of relief let alone victory for

Prospect of relief let alone victory for

Prospect of relief let alone victory for the South

the South

the South its Army was a pitiful site down as it

its Army was a pitiful site down as it

its Army was a pitiful site down as it was to less than two hundred thousand

was to less than two hundred thousand

was to less than two hundred thousand ill-fed and badly shawed troops

ill-fed and badly shawed troops

ill-fed and badly shawed troops the weather was freezing and soldiers

the weather was freezing and soldiers

the weather was freezing and soldiers many of whom were receiving

many of whom were receiving

many of whom were receiving heart-rending letters telling of the

heart-rending letters telling of the

heart-rending letters telling of the hardships at home where deserting at a

hardships at home where deserting at a

hardships at home where deserting at a higher and higher rate

soon the Confederate Congress had passed

soon the Confederate Congress had passed

soon the Confederate Congress had passed a law that earlier in the war would have

a law that earlier in the war would have

a law that earlier in the war would have been considered unthinkable

been considered unthinkable

been considered unthinkable provided for the arming of slaves for

provided for the arming of slaves for

provided for the arming of slaves for the defense of the Confederacy

the defense of the Confederacy

the defense of the Confederacy although they were promised their

although they were promised their

although they were promised their freedom in return few slaves took

freedom in return few slaves took

freedom in return few slaves took advantage of an offer made by a dying

advantage of an offer made by a dying

advantage of an offer made by a dying government whose individual states had

government whose individual states had

government whose individual states had seceded four years earlier primarily to

seceded four years earlier primarily to

seceded four years earlier primarily to protect the right of their citizens to

protect the right of their citizens to

protect the right of their citizens to own slaves

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] Sherman continued to cut a swathe

Sherman continued to cut a swathe

Sherman continued to cut a swathe through southern lands

through southern lands

through southern lands Columbia South Carolina's capital all

Columbia South Carolina's capital all

Columbia South Carolina's capital all but disappeared in Flames but the

but disappeared in Flames but the

but disappeared in Flames but the northern General was untroubled by any

northern General was untroubled by any

northern General was untroubled by any qualms or doubts about his actions

qualms or doubts about his actions

qualms or doubts about his actions I never shed any tears over it he said

I never shed any tears over it he said

I never shed any tears over it he said afterwards I believe it hastened what we

afterwards I believe it hastened what we

afterwards I believe it hastened what we all fought for the end of the war

all fought for the end of the war

all fought for the end of the war in South Carolina the men take

in South Carolina the men take

in South Carolina the men take particularly and destroying the

particularly and destroying the

particularly and destroying the infrastructure of that state after all

infrastructure of that state after all

infrastructure of that state after all in their minds South Carolina was the

in their minds South Carolina was the

in their minds South Carolina was the state that started the Civil War they

state that started the Civil War they

state that started the Civil War they were the first state to secede from

were the first state to secede from

were the first state to secede from Union uh that is where Fort Sumter was

Union uh that is where Fort Sumter was

Union uh that is where Fort Sumter was located and Fort Sumter was fired upon

located and Fort Sumter was fired upon

located and Fort Sumter was fired upon by a Confederate forces consequently

by a Confederate forces consequently

by a Confederate forces consequently when Union forces entered the state

when Union forces entered the state

when Union forces entered the state capitol of Columbia South Carolina it's

capitol of Columbia South Carolina it's

capitol of Columbia South Carolina it's destroyed uh particular wantings

fires rage for days in that City a lot

fires rage for days in that City a lot

fires rage for days in that City a lot of Civilian property is intentionally

of Civilian property is intentionally

of Civilian property is intentionally destroyed

destroyed

destroyed and then the Sherman's troops continue

and then the Sherman's troops continue

and then the Sherman's troops continue their March northward

in February Charleston joined the

in February Charleston joined the

in February Charleston joined the growing list of Southern cities that had

growing list of Southern cities that had

growing list of Southern cities that had fallen before Sherman's Army

although retreating Confederates burned

although retreating Confederates burned

although retreating Confederates burned some cotton stores and military

some cotton stores and military

some cotton stores and military installations Charleston was spared the

installations Charleston was spared the

installations Charleston was spared the wide-scale destruction that Colombia had

wide-scale destruction that Colombia had

wide-scale destruction that Colombia had suffered

and still the politicians in the South

and still the politicians in the South

and still the politicians in the South most noticeably Jefferson Davis declined

most noticeably Jefferson Davis declined

most noticeably Jefferson Davis declined to give up the fight

to give up the fight

to give up the fight peace deals were talked about but Davis

peace deals were talked about but Davis

peace deals were talked about but Davis insisted that the independence of the

insisted that the independence of the

insisted that the independence of the South and the preservation of slavery

South and the preservation of slavery

South and the preservation of slavery were to be part of any settlement

were to be part of any settlement

were to be part of any settlement duration day fell on March 4th 1864.

duration day fell on March 4th 1864.

duration day fell on March 4th 1864. Lincoln's speech was once again eloquent

Lincoln's speech was once again eloquent

Lincoln's speech was once again eloquent and elegant in equal measure with malice

and elegant in equal measure with malice

and elegant in equal measure with malice toward none

toward none

toward none charity for all

charity for all

charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives

with firmness in the right as God gives

with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right

us to see the right

us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we

let us strive on to finish the work we

let us strive on to finish the work we are in

are in

are in to bind up the nation's wounds

to bind up the nation's wounds

to bind up the nation's wounds to care for who shall have borne the

to care for who shall have borne the

to care for who shall have borne the battle and cherish a just and Lasting

battle and cherish a just and Lasting

battle and cherish a just and Lasting peace among ourselves and with all

peace among ourselves and with all

peace among ourselves and with all nations

listening intently in the audience was a

listening intently in the audience was a

listening intently in the audience was a man who would very soon leave his own

man who would very soon leave his own

man who would very soon leave his own indelible mark on the nation's history

indelible mark on the nation's history

indelible mark on the nation's history he was the actor John Wilkes Booth

meanwhile Grant Mead and the army of the

meanwhile Grant Mead and the army of the

meanwhile Grant Mead and the army of the Potomac were still besieging Petersburg

Potomac were still besieging Petersburg

Potomac were still besieging Petersburg Lee had been made overall

Lee had been made overall

Lee had been made overall commander-in-chief of the Confederate

commander-in-chief of the Confederate

commander-in-chief of the Confederate forces in February 1865 but his was a

forces in February 1865 but his was a

forces in February 1865 but his was a hopeless task the ragtag southern Army

hopeless task the ragtag southern Army

hopeless task the ragtag southern Army that defended Petersburg and Richmond

that defended Petersburg and Richmond

that defended Petersburg and Richmond numbered less than 30 000 men

numbered less than 30 000 men

numbered less than 30 000 men food and ammunition were running out

food and ammunition were running out

food and ammunition were running out fast and Grant had the bit between his

fast and Grant had the bit between his

fast and Grant had the bit between his teeth

teeth

teeth Sheridan was dispatched to cut off Lee's

Sheridan was dispatched to cut off Lee's

Sheridan was dispatched to cut off Lee's supply lines to the southwest and the

supply lines to the southwest and the

supply lines to the southwest and the Confederate Leader realized that soon he

Confederate Leader realized that soon he

Confederate Leader realized that soon he would be trapped

somehow on April 2nd he managed to

somehow on April 2nd he managed to

somehow on April 2nd he managed to withdraw his army and head West

withdraw his army and head West

withdraw his army and head West in Petersburg before the union troops

in Petersburg before the union troops

in Petersburg before the union troops broke through Confederate lines Lee was

broke through Confederate lines Lee was

broke through Confederate lines Lee was left with a few die-hard uh uh uh

left with a few die-hard uh uh uh

left with a few die-hard uh uh uh soldiers desertion starvation had taken

soldiers desertion starvation had taken

soldiers desertion starvation had taken their toll on Lee's army and so he had

their toll on Lee's army and so he had

their toll on Lee's army and so he had approximately a 35 000 troops left

approximately a 35 000 troops left

approximately a 35 000 troops left once the Union Soldiers had broken

once the Union Soldiers had broken

once the Union Soldiers had broken through captured Petersburg captured

through captured Petersburg captured

through captured Petersburg captured Richmond of the various uh groups of

Richmond of the various uh groups of

Richmond of the various uh groups of soldiers retreated and Lee hoped that

soldiers retreated and Lee hoped that

soldiers retreated and Lee hoped that they could reunite at Amelia Courthouse

they could reunite at Amelia Courthouse

they could reunite at Amelia Courthouse and then attempt to march to Danville

and then attempt to march to Danville

and then attempt to march to Danville where they could cross over into North

where they could cross over into North

where they could cross over into North Carolina and hook up with General Joe

Carolina and hook up with General Joe

Carolina and hook up with General Joe Johnson

Johnson

Johnson but what happens is he ends up fighting

but what happens is he ends up fighting

but what happens is he ends up fighting a series of running battles with Union

a series of running battles with Union

a series of running battles with Union troops and his path is blocked at near

troops and his path is blocked at near

troops and his path is blocked at near Appomattox Courthouse by Calvary

Appomattox Courthouse by Calvary

Appomattox Courthouse by Calvary Troopers under General Phil Sheridan

Troopers under General Phil Sheridan

Troopers under General Phil Sheridan [Music]

[Music]

[Music] at this point he doesn't run

at this point he doesn't run

at this point he doesn't run [Music]

[Music]

[Music] Petersburg was now in Union hands and

Petersburg was now in Union hands and

Petersburg was now in Union hands and the following day on April 3rd 1865

the following day on April 3rd 1865

the following day on April 3rd 1865 Richmond the Confederate Capital also

Richmond the Confederate Capital also

Richmond the Confederate Capital also fell

fell

fell the government of Jefferson Davis was

the government of Jefferson Davis was

the government of Jefferson Davis was not there to witness the historic moment

not there to witness the historic moment

not there to witness the historic moment of course they had fled when the news

of course they had fled when the news

of course they had fled when the news from Petersburg came through

foreign

foreign

foreign [Music]

[Music]

[Music] intentionally started by fleeing

intentionally started by fleeing

intentionally started by fleeing Confederates that were meant to deny

Confederates that were meant to deny

Confederates that were meant to deny Union troops The Spoils of War soon

Union troops The Spoils of War soon

Union troops The Spoils of War soon spread only the hard work of the

spread only the hard work of the

spread only the hard work of the advancing Union Soldiers troops of

advancing Union Soldiers troops of

advancing Union Soldiers troops of General Godfrey weitzel's all

General Godfrey weitzel's all

General Godfrey weitzel's all African-American 25th Corps saved the

African-American 25th Corps saved the

African-American 25th Corps saved the city from complete destruction

city from complete destruction

city from complete destruction [Music]

on April 4th Lincoln himself was able to

on April 4th Lincoln himself was able to

on April 4th Lincoln himself was able to walk through the ruined streets of the

walk through the ruined streets of the

walk through the ruined streets of the capital of the Confederacy for a while a

capital of the Confederacy for a while a

capital of the Confederacy for a while a troop of African-American cavalrymen

troop of African-American cavalrymen

troop of African-American cavalrymen accompanied him

accompanied him

accompanied him powerful if unwitting symbol of what

powerful if unwitting symbol of what

powerful if unwitting symbol of what Northern victory meant to the southern

Northern victory meant to the southern

Northern victory meant to the southern slave population

Lee and his army marched West towards

Lee and his army marched West towards

Lee and his army marched West towards the mountains of Virginia with Grant in

the mountains of Virginia with Grant in

the mountains of Virginia with Grant in Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit there was more Bloodshed at Sailors

there was more Bloodshed at Sailors

there was more Bloodshed at Sailors Creek on the 6th of April where more

Creek on the 6th of April where more

Creek on the 6th of April where more than 8 000 Confederates were taken

than 8 000 Confederates were taken

than 8 000 Confederates were taken prisoner by Palm Sunday April 9th the

prisoner by Palm Sunday April 9th the

prisoner by Palm Sunday April 9th the tiny Southern Army was completely

tiny Southern Army was completely

tiny Southern Army was completely surrounded and Lee realized the end was

surrounded and Lee realized the end was

surrounded and Lee realized the end was near

near

near there is nothing for me to do but go and

there is nothing for me to do but go and

there is nothing for me to do but go and see General Grant and I would rather die

see General Grant and I would rather die

see General Grant and I would rather die a thousand deaths said Lee to his

a thousand deaths said Lee to his

a thousand deaths said Lee to his subordinates

the two men met in a now famous scene in

the two men met in a now famous scene in

the two men met in a now famous scene in the home of Wilmer McLean at Appomattox

the home of Wilmer McLean at Appomattox

the home of Wilmer McLean at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia many Americans

Courthouse in Virginia many Americans

Courthouse in Virginia many Americans believe to this day that when Robert E

believe to this day that when Robert E

believe to this day that when Robert E Lee's army of Northern Virginia

Lee's army of Northern Virginia

Lee's army of Northern Virginia surrendered at the tiny Hamlet of

surrendered at the tiny Hamlet of

surrendered at the tiny Hamlet of Appomattox Courthouse an Appomattox

Appomattox Courthouse an Appomattox

Appomattox Courthouse an Appomattox County Virginia the Civil War was over

County Virginia the Civil War was over

County Virginia the Civil War was over it wasn't it was a surrender of one

it wasn't it was a surrender of one

it wasn't it was a surrender of one Confederate Army there were still

Confederate Army there were still

Confederate Army there were still several Confederate armies still in the

several Confederate armies still in the

several Confederate armies still in the field still in Act of hostilities

field still in Act of hostilities

field still in Act of hostilities against the United States forces but I

against the United States forces but I

against the United States forces but I think it becomes symbolic this is this

think it becomes symbolic this is this

think it becomes symbolic this is this was the premier

was the premier

was the premier Eastern Confederate Army surrendering to

Eastern Confederate Army surrendering to

Eastern Confederate Army surrendering to the premier Eastern Union Army

the premier Eastern Union Army

the premier Eastern Union Army and it was only a matter of time after

and it was only a matter of time after

and it was only a matter of time after the army of Northern Virginia

the army of Northern Virginia

the army of Northern Virginia surrendered that the other armies would

surrendered that the other armies would

surrendered that the other armies would follow suit Union soldiers have been

follow suit Union soldiers have been

follow suit Union soldiers have been instructed not to gloat but to treat

instructed not to gloat but to treat

instructed not to gloat but to treat their adversaries with the reverence

their adversaries with the reverence

their adversaries with the reverence that they deserved these soldiers had

that they deserved these soldiers had

that they deserved these soldiers had fought the hard fight fought the hard

fought the hard fight fought the hard

fought the hard fight fought the hard battle they had starved in bled for

battle they had starved in bled for

battle they had starved in bled for years and what was left fighting with

years and what was left fighting with

years and what was left fighting with Lee was a battle-hardened group of men

Lee was a battle-hardened group of men

Lee was a battle-hardened group of men so when they marched into the courthouse

so when they marched into the courthouse

so when they marched into the courthouse there weren't many people there what was

there weren't many people there what was

there weren't many people there what was left were were the slaves who were

left were were the slaves who were

left were were the slaves who were watching as these Confederate Veterans

watching as these Confederate Veterans

watching as these Confederate Veterans marched up the road uh preparing to

marched up the road uh preparing to

marched up the road uh preparing to surrender

surrender

surrender thank you

oh Grant gave to General Lee were

oh Grant gave to General Lee were

oh Grant gave to General Lee were um very favorable to the Confederates he

um very favorable to the Confederates he

um very favorable to the Confederates he basically said that I'm going to parole

basically said that I'm going to parole

basically said that I'm going to parole you all and you are going to go home to

you all and you are going to go home to

you all and you are going to go home to your families and promise not to take

your families and promise not to take

your families and promise not to take arms against the United States again and

arms against the United States again and

arms against the United States again and as long as you remain lawful citizens

as long as you remain lawful citizens

as long as you remain lawful citizens that the US government's not going to

that the US government's not going to

that the US government's not going to bother you grant asked Lee if he had any

bother you grant asked Lee if he had any

bother you grant asked Lee if he had any requests and Lee thought about it and

requests and Lee thought about it and

requests and Lee thought about it and said yes he had one

said yes he had one

said yes he had one most of his men had come to the war with

most of his men had come to the war with

most of his men had come to the war with their own farm animals horses and mules

their own farm animals horses and mules

their own farm animals horses and mules and and the like could they return to

and and the like could they return to

and and the like could they return to their Farms with these animals for the

their Farms with these animals for the

their Farms with these animals for the spring plowing and Grant said yes and

spring plowing and Grant said yes and

spring plowing and Grant said yes and Lee was very grateful thought that that

Lee was very grateful thought that that

Lee was very grateful thought that that would do a lot to conciliate his men

would do a lot to conciliate his men

would do a lot to conciliate his men towards the new situation what Grant is

towards the new situation what Grant is

towards the new situation what Grant is doing by giving them their horses back

doing by giving them their horses back

doing by giving them their horses back is saying we are not going to treat you

is saying we are not going to treat you

is saying we are not going to treat you as the Romans treat Carthage we will not

as the Romans treat Carthage we will not

as the Romans treat Carthage we will not sow your Fields with salt

sow your Fields with salt

sow your Fields with salt as part of the nation building

as part of the nation building

as part of the nation building that must go along with a union victory

that must go along with a union victory

that must go along with a union victory you'll be allowed to have your economy

you'll be allowed to have your economy

you'll be allowed to have your economy back as well

back as well

back as well so the rebels surrender and the terms

so the rebels surrender and the terms

so the rebels surrender and the terms which Grant offers are tremendously rich

which Grant offers are tremendously rich

which Grant offers are tremendously rich in cultural symbolism Grant offers the

in cultural symbolism Grant offers the

in cultural symbolism Grant offers the rebels their honor and their economy

rebels their honor and their economy

rebels their honor and their economy back in return for surrendering

thank you

foreign

Civil War the Great Rebellion was

Civil War the Great Rebellion was

Civil War the Great Rebellion was finally at an end

finally at an end

finally at an end Lee was dignified and courteous in

Lee was dignified and courteous in

Lee was dignified and courteous in defeat Grant and Sherman magnanimous and

defeat Grant and Sherman magnanimous and

defeat Grant and Sherman magnanimous and reasonable in Victory

the South had been decimated

more than a quarter of a million of its

more than a quarter of a million of its

more than a quarter of a million of its men folk lay in Graves

men folk lay in Graves

men folk lay in Graves its economy was ruined its Countryside

its economy was ruined its Countryside

its economy was ruined its Countryside laid waste and many of its towns and

laid waste and many of its towns and

laid waste and many of its towns and cities raised to the ground

for the entire region a way of life had

for the entire region a way of life had

for the entire region a way of life had been ended the South had fought hard for

been ended the South had fought hard for

been ended the South had fought hard for what it believed but eventually it had

what it believed but eventually it had

what it believed but eventually it had been dragged Kicking and Screaming into

been dragged Kicking and Screaming into

been dragged Kicking and Screaming into a union it despised and now resented

a union it despised and now resented

a union it despised and now resented the road to recovery would be long and

the road to recovery would be long and

the road to recovery would be long and painful for a once proud Nation

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] When Johnny Comes the celebrations in

When Johnny Comes the celebrations in

When Johnny Comes the celebrations in the north were long and loud but they

the north were long and loud but they

the north were long and loud but they were surely born more of relief than

were surely born more of relief than

were surely born more of relief than Jubilation

Jubilation

Jubilation Lincoln was determined to begin the

Lincoln was determined to begin the

Lincoln was determined to begin the process of binding the nation's wounds

process of binding the nation's wounds

process of binding the nation's wounds but there was still one more act in the

but there was still one more act in the

but there was still one more act in the tragedy of the war to be played out

tragedy of the war to be played out

tragedy of the war to be played out [Music]

[Music]

[Music] on April 14th the president visited

on April 14th the president visited

on April 14th the president visited Ford's Theater in Washington to see a

Ford's Theater in Washington to see a

Ford's Theater in Washington to see a production of the play my American

production of the play my American

production of the play my American cousin

cousin

cousin during the performance a shot

during the performance a shot

during the performance a shot from a derringer pistol rang out and

from a derringer pistol rang out and

from a derringer pistol rang out and amid the screams the president of the

amid the screams the president of the

amid the screams the president of the United States laid dying from a wound to

United States laid dying from a wound to

United States laid dying from a wound to the Head

the Head

the Head [Music]

[Music]

[Music] the gun had been fired by John Wilkes

the gun had been fired by John Wilkes

the gun had been fired by John Wilkes Booth a disgruntled actor and

Booth a disgruntled actor and

Booth a disgruntled actor and self-styled Southern Patriot the man who

self-styled Southern Patriot the man who

self-styled Southern Patriot the man who had only the previous month listened to

had only the previous month listened to

had only the previous month listened to Lincoln's inauguration speech and who

Lincoln's inauguration speech and who

Lincoln's inauguration speech and who had determined that the architect of the

had determined that the architect of the

had determined that the architect of the South's defeat Must Die

Lincoln's name was the most famous of

Lincoln's name was the most famous of

Lincoln's name was the most famous of the 620

the 620

the 620 000 names of those who died during the

000 names of those who died during the

000 names of those who died during the American Civil War

the nation had seen nothing like it

the nation had seen nothing like it

the nation had seen nothing like it before and has known nothing like it

before and has known nothing like it

before and has known nothing like it since

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] [Applause]

[Applause]

[Applause] [Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] thank you

[Music]

[Music]

many wars against foreign foes have been

many wars against foreign foes have been

many wars against foreign foes have been fought in places all across the globe

fought in places all across the globe

fought in places all across the globe [Music]

[Music]

[Music] has its own place in the pantheon of U.S

has its own place in the pantheon of U.S

has its own place in the pantheon of U.S history and in the hearts of the

history and in the hearts of the

history and in the hearts of the American people

American people

American people [Music]

[Music]

[Music] but none perhaps has left scars like

but none perhaps has left scars like

but none perhaps has left scars like that conflict farroth 19th century

that conflict farroth 19th century

that conflict farroth 19th century [Music]

[Music]

[Music] when American fought American in a

when American fought American in a

when American fought American in a bitter struggle for the soul of a Nation

[Music]

[Music]

[Music] foreign

foreign

foreign [Music]