All language subtitles for The Last Days Of The US Confederacy The American Civil War Timeline.en

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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
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
stalemate and still it dragged on

foreign

foreign
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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
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
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
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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

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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
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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
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
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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
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 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
fighting neither side was able to gain

fighting neither side was able to gain

fighting neither side was able to gain
victory

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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
had taken part

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
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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
ugly hand-to-hand combat

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
opportunity to shorten the war was lost

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sherman to a relieved Lincoln

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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Sherman's Army

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
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
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]
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
[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
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
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 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
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

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

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
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]
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
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
before and has known nothing like it

before and has known nothing like it

before and has known nothing like it
since

[Music]

[Music]
[Applause]

[Applause]

[Applause]
[Music]

[Music]

[Music]
thank you

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]
foreign

foreign

foreign
[Music]