The End of the Civil War

Battle at GETTYSBURG

• The fighting raged for three days. On the rocky hills and fields around Gettysburg, 90,000 Union troops, under the command of General George Meade, clashed with 75,000 Confederates.

The Chase To end the war

• From Richmond and Petersburg, Lee fled west, while Grant followed in pursuit. Lee wanted to continue fighting, but he knew that his situation was hopeless.

Cont.

• He sent a message to General Grant that he was ready to surrender. On April 9, 1865, Lee and Grant met in the small Virginia town of Appomattox Court House to arrange the surrender. Grant later wrote that his joy moment was mixed with sadness

Cont.

• Grant offered generous terms of surrender. After laying down their arms, the Confederates could return home in peace, taking their private possessions and horses with them.

Cont.

• Grant also gave food to the hungry Confederate soldiers. After four long years, the Civil War was coming to a close. Its effects would continue, however, changing the country forever.