AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: End of the Civil War (Day 145/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the End of the Civil War as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Richmond, Virginia Damage, Wikimedia Commons

With General Grant’s total war approach, the Union Army wreaked havoc on the Confederacy. Sherman’s March devastated both Confederate territory and morale.

The Fall of Richmond, Wikimedia Commons

In 1864, to push the Confederacy toward surrender, Union forces set out to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. After a 292 day-long siege, Confederate forces set fire to and then fled and conceded the city.

Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox, Wikimedia Commons

After failed attempts to evade Grant’s Army, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered on April 9th, 1865. The Civil War was over. With 620,000 dead and 375,000 wounded, it is the deadliest war in American history. 

Assassination of President Lincoln, Wikimedia Commons

Just five days later, Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a vigorous Confederate supporter. He died the following morning becoming the first American president to be assassinated.

The Civil War ended when Union forces captured Richmond, the Confederate capital, and Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Courthouse. Soon after, Lincoln was assassinated. 

Join me tomorrow as I explain Plans for Reconstruction in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!