What happened in 1864 during the Civil War was a pivotal year marked by significant events that would ultimately shape the course of the conflict and its outcome. The year was characterized by intense battles, strategic decisions, and the beginning of the end for the Confederate States of America.
The year 1864 began with the Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, launching a series of campaigns aimed at weakening the Confederate infrastructure and breaking the will of the Southern people. One of the most notable events of the year was the Battle of the Wilderness, fought from May 5 to 7, 1864. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the war, with heavy casualties on both sides. Despite Union gains, the battle was inconclusive, and it became apparent that Grant’s strategy of attrition would be a costly but effective means of victory.
Another significant event in 1864 was the Atlanta Campaign, which began in May and lasted until September. General William Tecumseh Sherman led the Union forces in a successful campaign to capture the city of Atlanta, a strategic hub for the Confederacy. The fall of Atlanta was a major blow to Confederate morale and supply lines, and it allowed Sherman to embark on his famous March to the Sea, a campaign that aimed to destroy the South’s ability to wage war by targeting civilian infrastructure and resources.
The year also saw the Union navy gain control of the Mississippi River, which effectively split the Confederacy in two. On April 2, 1864, Union forces under General William T. Sherman captured Vicksburg, Mississippi, after a 47-day siege. This victory was a critical turning point in the war, as it allowed the Union to control the river and cut off supplies to the Confederate states west of the river.
In addition to these military campaigns, 1864 was a year of political intrigue and strategic maneuvering. The election of 1864 saw Abraham Lincoln running for re-election against George B. McClellan, a former Union general. Despite the challenges facing the Union, Lincoln was able to secure a second term, which was crucial for maintaining the momentum of the war effort.
The year also saw the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, take effect. Although the proclamation did not immediately free all slaves, it was a significant step towards the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States. In 1864, the issue of slavery became even more prominent as the war progressed, and it played a crucial role in the Union’s war aims.
In conclusion, what happened in 1864 during the Civil War was a year of pivotal events that set the stage for the Union’s ultimate victory. The Union’s military campaigns, strategic decisions, and political maneuvering all contributed to the unraveling of the Confederate States of America and the beginning of the end of the nation’s most devastating conflict.