Ch 7: Conclusion of the Civil War: 1865
About This Chapter
Conclusion of the Civil War: 1865 - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Four years of bloody conflict come to an end over the course of this chapter's video lessons. Follow along as our instructors outline the events leading up to the final defeat of Confederate forces and explore the effects of war on a country in utter turmoil. By the this chapter's end, you should be familiar with the following:
- Union strategies to take Richmond
- Terms of surrender for the Confederate army
- Circumstances surrounding Lincoln's assassination
Video | Objective |
---|---|
The Last 100 Days of the Civil War | Outlines the goals and actions of the Union generals as they closed in on Confederate forces in Richmond. Details of General Lee's last stand are also discussed. |
The Fall of Richmond: The Capitol of the Confederacy | Illustrates the series of events in which the Union finally forces the Southern army and government to abandon Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. |
General Robert E. Lee's Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse | Describes the failed attempts by Confederate leadership to keep up the fight as well as the terms and conditions of surrender. |
The Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln | Explores the failed plots and motivation behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. |
The End of the Civil War | Relates the final defeat and surrender of all remaining Confederate forces and the capture of President Jefferson Davis. |
The Costs of the Civil War | Depicts the human, economic and cultural costs of the American Civil War. |

1. The Last 100 Days of the Civil War: Goals & Actions
After four years, the American civil war was finally winding down. Explore some key events, goals, and actions of the war that occurred in its last 100 days, including Sherman's march through the Carolinas and the faceoff between Grant and Lee in Virginia.

2. The Fall of Richmond: The Capital of the Confederacy
During the Civil War, Union General Ulysses S. Grant was determined to take over Richmond, Virginia. Learn why by exploring the fall of Richmond, which was the capital of the Confederacy. Review Richmond's status as a prize, the Battle of Five Forks, Richmond's evacuation, and the Union's entrance into Richmond to understand the significance of Richmond in the Confederacy and the Civil War.

3. General Robert E. Lee's Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse: Terms & Conditions
General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union forces at Appomattox Courthouse in April of 1865. Learn how the Battle of Sailor's Creek impacted the surrender, as well as the surrender's terms and conditions.

4. Primary Source: Articles of Agreement Relating to the Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia
The Civil War came to a close when Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9th, 1865. They signed the treaty of surrender at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.

5. The Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln: Facts, Failed Plots & Motivation
President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in April 1865. Learn facts about Booth's previously-failed plots and his motivation for assassinating the president.

6. The End of the Civil War: Summary & Timeline
Despite popular belief, the Civil War did not end when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House and actually continued for over two months. Learn about the end of the Civil Wars timeline and read a summary about the surrender of Johnston, Taylor, Smith, and Stand Watie, along with the capture of Davis.

7. The Costs of the Civil War: Human, Economic & Cultural
The American Civil War was one of the most expensive conflicts in the history of the United States. Learn about the economic costs of the four-year conflict, the cultural costs especially in the South, and the human costs such as casualties along with the veterans' post-war experiences.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the History 106: The Civil War and Reconstruction course