Why did general grant adopt the total war strategy?

Why Did General Grant Adopt the Total War Strategy?

The American Civil War was a bloody and devastating conflict that lasted from 1861 to 1865. Led by General Ulysses S. Grant, the Union Army fought against the Confederate States of America, which seceded from the United States in an attempt to preserve slavery and states’ rights. Grant’s adoption of a total war strategy was a crucial factor in the Union’s ultimate victory. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Grant’s decision to adopt this strategy.

The Genesis of Total War

Prior to the Civil War, the concept of total war was relatively new and rarely employed. However, with the rise of industrialized warfare, it became increasingly clear that the traditional limited war approach was no longer effective. Total war involved the mobilization of an entire nation’s resources, including its military, industry, and population, to achieve victory.

Grant’s Military Philosophy

Grant’s military philosophy was influenced by his experiences in the Mexican-American War and his studies of European military strategies. He believed that victory required a relentless and focused effort, and that a war could not be won by simply defending against an enemy’s attacks. Grant was a proponent of the "Fabian strategy," which emphasized cautious, patient, and meticulous planning, rather than impulsive and reckless attacks.

The Failure of Limited War

In the early years of the Civil War, the Union Army employed a limited war strategy, focusing on preserving its territorial integrity and avoiding battles that might lead to high casualties. However, this approach proved ineffective, and the Confederacy continued to gain momentum. Grant recognized that the limited war strategy was not yielding the desired results and that a more aggressive approach was needed.

The Shiloh and Vicksburg Campaigns

In 1862, Grant was given command of the Union Army in the West, and he launched a series of campaigns to capture the strategic cities of Vicksburg and Chattanooga. These campaigns were marked by bloody battles and significant losses, but Grant’s persistence and determination ultimately led to victory.

The Turning Point at Chattanooga

In November 1863, Grant’s Union Army defeated the Confederate forces at the Battle of Chattanooga, a turning point in the war. This victory gave Grant the momentum he needed to launch a decisive campaign against the Confederate capital of Richmond.

The Overland Campaign

In May 1864, Grant launched the Overland Campaign, a series of battles that would take his army through the wilderness of Virginia and ultimately to Richmond. This campaign was marked by brutal fighting and heavy casualties, but Grant’s persistence and strategic vision ultimately led to the defeat of the Confederate Army.

The Siege of Petersburg

In June 1864, Grant’s Army besieged the Confederate capital of Richmond, trapping General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia between the Union forces and the James River. This siege lasted for nine months, during which time the Union Army suffered heavy casualties, but ultimately emerged victorious.

The Assassination of President Lincoln

In April 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and Vice President Andrew Johnson succeeded him as President. Johnson was more sympathetic to the Confederate cause than Lincoln, and Grant was concerned that he might undermine the war effort.

The Grant-Lee Surrender Terms

In April 1865, Grant met with General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse, where he offered him generous surrender terms. Lee accepted the terms, and the Confederate Army was effectively disbanded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, General Grant’s adoption of the total war strategy was a crucial factor in the Union’s ultimate victory in the American Civil War. Grant’s philosophy of warfare emphasized caution, persistence, and strategic planning, and he was willing to make difficult decisions and take risks to achieve victory. The failure of limited war and the lessons learned from the Shiloh and Vicksburg campaigns led Grant to adopt a more aggressive approach, which ultimately led to the defeat of the Confederate Army.

Table: The Grant-Lee Surrender Terms

Bullets: Grant’s Key Decisions

• Adopted a total war strategy, mobilizing the entire nation’s resources to achieve victory
• Launched the Overland Campaign, a series of battles that would take his army through the wilderness of Virginia
• Siege of Petersburg, trapping General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia
• Offered generous surrender terms to General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Courthouse