What happened in the Civil War in 1864 was a pivotal year that marked significant developments in the conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). This year witnessed some of the most crucial battles and strategic decisions that would ultimately lead to the Union’s victory and the end of slavery in the United States.
The year 1864 began with the Union facing several challenges. The Confederacy, although struggling, had managed to maintain a strong military presence and had recently captured Atlanta, Georgia. However, the Union’s fortunes began to turn in February when General Ulysses S. Grant was appointed as the general in chief of all Union armies. Grant’s appointment marked a shift in strategy, as he aimed to take the war to the enemy and defeat the Confederacy on its own soil.
One of the most significant events of 1864 was the Battle of the Wilderness, which took place from May 5 to 7. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the Civil War, with over 58,000 casualties. Despite suffering heavy losses, the Union forces managed to push the Confederates back, setting the stage for Grant’s relentless pursuit of General Robert E. Lee’s army.
In June, Grant’s forces launched the Siege of Petersburg, a prolonged and brutal campaign that would last until March 1865. Petersburg was a crucial railroad hub for the Confederacy, and its capture would effectively cut off Lee’s supply lines. The siege was marked by intense fighting and constant bombardment from Union artillery. Despite the Union’s determination, Petersburg proved to be a stubbornly defended city, and the campaign took a heavy toll on both sides.
Another notable event in 1864 was the presidential election, which took place in November. Abraham Lincoln, the incumbent president and the leader of the Union, faced a formidable challenge from George B. McClellan, a former Union general. Despite the ongoing war and the nation’s dire situation, Lincoln won the election with a significant majority, solidifying his position as the leader of the Union and the abolitionist cause.
As the year came to a close, the Union’s military situation continued to improve. In April 1865, the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, fell to Union forces, and Lee’s army was forced to surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, effectively ending the Civil War. The events of 1864 had set the stage for this final victory, and the Union’s triumph over the Confederacy would forever change the course of American history.
