Latter Part

Definition

The 'latter part' refers to the final stages of a specific period, often marked by significant events or shifts. In the context of military conflict during the Civil War, this term highlights the crucial developments and turning points that occurred towards the end of the war, shaping its outcome and the future of the nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the latter part of the Civil War, battles became more brutal and destructive, reflecting a shift towards total war strategies employed by Union generals like William Tecumseh Sherman.
2. The Union's victory at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 marked a turning point that set the stage for a series of successful campaigns in the latter part of the war.
3. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1864 solidified Union resolve, leading to intensified military efforts to secure a definitive victory over the Confederacy.
4. The latter part of the Civil War saw significant advancements in military technology, including rifled artillery and ironclad ships, which changed the nature of warfare.
5. The surrender at Appomattox Court House symbolized not only the end of military conflict but also the beginning of a difficult reconciliation process between North and South.

Review Questions

• How did military strategies evolve in the latter part of the Civil War, and what were some key battles that exemplified this change?
  • In the latter part of the Civil War, military strategies evolved to emphasize total war tactics, focusing on destroying both enemy forces and their resources. Key battles like Sherman's March to the Sea and the Siege of Petersburg showcased these brutal tactics, as Union forces sought to demoralize and dismantle Confederate infrastructure. This shift not only aimed at winning battles but also at undermining the will of Southern civilians to continue supporting their armies.
• Discuss how political developments during the latter part of the Civil War influenced its outcome and post-war policies.
  • Political developments during the latter part of the Civil War significantly influenced its outcome, particularly through Lincoln's re-election in 1864. His leadership and commitment to preserving the Union galvanized support for ongoing military efforts against the Confederacy. Furthermore, this political stability allowed for decisive actions like Grant's campaigns that ultimately led to Confederate surrender. The choices made during this time laid critical groundwork for Reconstruction policies aimed at rebuilding the nation.
• Evaluate how the events in the latter part of the Civil War set the stage for future societal changes in America.
  • The latter part of the Civil War was pivotal in setting the stage for profound societal changes in America, as it not only marked an end to slavery but also initiated a complex process of national reconciliation. The surrender at Appomattox Court House brought military conflict to a close but opened up discussions on civil rights and governance during Reconstruction. The challenges faced in reintegrating Southern states highlighted deep-seated issues regarding race relations and federal authority, issues that would continue to evolve long after the war ended.

Related terms

Total War:

A military strategy that involves waging war on not just the enemy forces but also on their resources and civilian infrastructure to weaken their will to fight.

Reconstruction:

The period following the Civil War during which the United States attempted to rebuild and integrate the Southern states back into the Union.

Appomattox Court House:

The location where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the Civil War.