Capitolron
Lieutenant Colonel
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2007
- Messages
- 7,717
Ron,
In reality, several things could have changed the outcome of the 1864 election (i.e., the defeat of Sherman as he approached Atlanta, etc.). The fall of Vicksburg split the South, prevented critical supplies from reaching the East, and surrendered a major Confederate force. In my opinion, Gettysburg only bloodied the nose of the Army of Northern Virginia, which lived to fight another day. Would a Confederate victory at Gettysburg have ensured that Lincoln would have lost the election? No one knows. Would a peace agreement with a Democrat President/Congress have been accomplished? No one knows. Did the loss of Vicksburg split the South, deprive the South of critical supplies, surrender a major Confederte Army, and place the Mississippi River under the complete control of the Union? Yes.
Gettysburg was a horrible battle, there is no doubting that. But was it the more critical loss to the Confederacy? I doubt it. The debate is further complicated by the fact that Lee retreated from Gettysburg the same day that Pemberton surrendered Vicksburg. In short, it was a terrible day for the Confederacy.
Warmest personal regards,
Pat
Pat
I believe we must agree to disagree.
Gettysburg did more to the CSA than bloody its nose - it was the last time the South ever invaded the North and the last true offensive battle for the South. Everything after Gettysburg was a defensive struggle with the North.
Even after Vicksburg fell - the South still had my home state of Florida and its ability to receive blockaide runners on her shores for needed supplies. Although it was like slowly turning down the water hose on needed supplies as the war dragged on.
It is true with the loss of Vicksburg - the North was able to move attention and Men and Grant to the Eastern Theater. This alone certainly shortened the War which could have drug on and on (like Iraq now) - so the loss of Vicksburg did provide that major event to the loss of the South. But, IMO - Gettyburg was the last chance for International Recoginition of the South and Winning a Major Battle on Northerner Soil. So my vote still goes to Gettysburg and the HIGH WATER MARK of the Confederacy as the end of the end of the CSA.
Best Regards, Ron - I really enjoyed the discussion.