The Significance of the Battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg, Essay Example

The battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg were fought miles apart but during the same week in 1863. Although differing substantially in how they were fought and why they were fought both battles must be considered among the most significant of the entire Civil War. In the case of Vicksburg, the Union victory through the seizure of the Confederate seaport was accomplished through brilliant planning by Union General Ulysses S. Grant. On the other hand, the battle at Gettysburg was interestingly a complete accident[1].

Grant’s victory at Vicksburg was brilliant and much needed by a Union Army that was suffered from low morale[2]. Vicksburg’s strategic importance was that it enabled the Union to finally take control of the Mississippi River which essentially defeated the Confederate Army in the West. Without the railroad support enjoyed by the North the Confederacy relied heavily upon the Mississippi for the transporting of troops and supplies.

Grant’s actions at Vicksburg were a brilliant military maneuver but Meade’s actions on behalf of the Union at Gettysburg were a costly accident. Even though the Union is largely regarded as the victor at Gettysburg in that the Confederate army led by General Lee was permanently repelled from Union territory, neither side in the conflict was adequately prepared for what occurred and both armies suffered considerable losses in human lives[3].

The most significant effect of the Vicksburg and Gettysburg battles may have occurred off the field of battle. The Confederate losses at both sites greatly diminished their prospects of further support overseas from France and Great Britain. Both nations had been providing the Southern states with aid but following these battles such assistance gradually declined. What little hope the South had of prevailing in their struggle with the Northern states diminished as France and Great Britain withdrew their support. The War raged on for almost two additional years but the strategic position of the Confederacy never recovered after the summer of 1863.

Bibliography

Dickson, Keith D. and Spencer C. Tucker, Battle of Gettysburg: American Civil War, World at War: Understanding Conflict and Society (2012).

Henretta, James A. and David Brody, America: A Concise History (4^th E.) (New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s 2009).

McGowen, Stanley S., Seige of Vicksburg: American Civil War. World at War: Understanding Conflict and Society (2012).

[1] Henretta, James A. and David Brody, America: A Concise History (4^th E.) (New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s 2009) p.424-426.

[2] McGowen, Stanley S., Seige of Vicksburg: American Civil War. World at War: Understanding Conflict and Society (2012).

[3] Dickson, Keith D. and Spencer C. Tucker, Battle of Gettysburg: American Civil War, World at War: Understanding Conflict and Society (2012).