Appomattox Courthouse

Definition

Appomattox Courthouse is the site in Virginia where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War. This historic event marked a significant turning point in American history, as it symbolized the conclusion of a brutal conflict and the beginning of the nation’s reconstruction efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The surrender at Appomattox Courthouse took place in Wilmer McLean's parlor, which was chosen for its neutrality and its proximity to both armies.
2. Lee's surrender was conditional, allowing his troops to return home with their horses and sidearms, symbolizing an effort to promote reconciliation.
3. This event took place just a few days after Confederate forces had retreated from Richmond, Virginia, marking the collapse of the Confederate government.
4. The formal surrender document outlined the terms of Lee's surrender, which emphasized dignity and respect for soldiers on both sides.
5. The surrender at Appomattox did not immediately end all fighting, as some Confederate forces continued to resist until they surrendered in subsequent weeks.

Review Questions

• What were the key circumstances leading up to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse?
  • The key circumstances leading up to Lee's surrender included a series of Union victories that significantly weakened the Confederate Army, particularly during the Overland Campaign and the Siege of Petersburg. With Union forces closing in on Richmond and cutting off Confederate supplies, Lee's Army of Northern Virginia found itself surrounded and outnumbered. The dire situation compelled Lee to seek terms of surrender, culminating in his meeting with Grant at Appomattox Courthouse.
• Discuss the significance of the terms of surrender agreed upon at Appomattox Courthouse and how they reflected Grant's approach to ending the war.
  • The terms of surrender at Appomattox Courthouse were significant because they emphasized leniency and compassion toward the defeated Confederate soldiers. Grant allowed Lee's men to keep their horses and return home without being prosecuted for treason. This approach reflected Grant's desire to foster national healing and reconciliation rather than punishment, demonstrating his understanding that a united nation was essential for moving forward after such a divisive conflict.
• Evaluate how the events at Appomattox Courthouse set the stage for Reconstruction and shaped future government policies regarding integration of former Confederate states.
  • The events at Appomattox Courthouse were pivotal in setting the stage for Reconstruction as they marked the official end of the Civil War and created a context for reuniting a fractured nation. The lenient terms offered by Grant indicated a willingness to integrate former Confederate states back into the Union in a manner that respected their dignity. However, this also led to debates over how to best achieve integration and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans, ultimately shaping future government policies that aimed to balance reconciliation with justice in post-war America.

Related terms

Robert E. Lee:

The commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, known for his military leadership and strategy during the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant:

The commanding general of the Union Army who led the North to victory in the Civil War and later became the 18th President of the United States.

Reconstruction:

The period following the Civil War during which the United States aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.