Appomattox Court House

Definition

Appomattox Court House is the site in Virginia where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively marking the end of the Civil War. This pivotal event not only represented the collapse of the Confederacy but also set the stage for reconciliation and healing in a nation deeply divided by war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The surrender at Appomattox Court House occurred after a series of intense battles that left Lee's army severely depleted and unable to continue fighting.
2. Following the surrender, Grant allowed Confederate soldiers to return home with their horses, which symbolized a gesture of goodwill towards healing the nation.
3. The formal surrender took place in the parlor of Wilmer McLean's house, where both leaders negotiated the terms of surrender.
4. The terms of surrender were generous, allowing Confederate soldiers to keep their sidearms and personal property, reflecting Grant's desire for reconciliation.
5. Lee's surrender at Appomattox did not officially end the war, as some Confederate forces continued to fight until they were subdued later that spring.

Review Questions

• What were the immediate military implications of Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House for both the Union and Confederate armies?
  • Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House had profound military implications as it effectively marked the end of organized Confederate resistance. For the Union army, it meant a significant victory that solidified their dominance in the Civil War. This surrender led to the gradual dissolution of remaining Confederate forces as news spread, ultimately paving the way for Union control over the entire country.
• How did Grant’s approach to the terms of surrender at Appomattox reflect his views on post-war reconciliation?
  • Grant’s approach to the terms of surrender at Appomattox reflected his belief in reconciliation and healing between North and South. By allowing Confederate soldiers to keep their horses and return home without being imprisoned, Grant sought to minimize resentment and promote unity after years of division. His lenient terms aimed to foster an environment where former enemies could work together towards rebuilding the nation.
• Evaluate how the events at Appomattox Court House influenced subsequent discussions about Reconstruction and national identity in the post-war United States.
  • The events at Appomattox Court House significantly influenced discussions about Reconstruction and national identity as they represented both an end to conflict and a beginning of healing. The act of surrender was not just a military defeat for the Confederacy but also highlighted challenges in reuniting a fractured nation. The terms set by Grant illustrated an attempt to incorporate former Confederates back into society, paving the way for debates on how to reconstruct a nation that acknowledged both its shared history and its deep divisions over issues like civil rights and governance.

Related terms

Robert E. Lee:

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

Ulysses S. Grant:

The commanding general of the Union Army, recognized for his aggressive military strategy and crucial role in leading Union forces to victory.

Civil War:

A conflict fought from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederacy) primarily over issues like slavery and states' rights.