Question

Robert E. Lee brought his Confederate forces into the North just before the battle of Gettysburg in hopes of

A. taking new york city.
B. escaping a union army that was chasing him.
C. demoralizing the north with a victory on northern soil.
D. scavenging for food and military supplies.

Answer 1

C and D. When Union General Ulysses S. Grant laid siege to Vicksburg, Lee suggested a second invasion of the North.  He would demoralize the North with a victory on northern soil that would support the copperheads who wanted peace.  After winning the Battle of Chancellorsville a victory on northern soil would  also relieve pressure of the siege as well allow the army to supply themselves with food and other items they lacked like shoes. However, he was met with fierce resistance from a Union Army led by General George Meade and a battle erupted at Gettysburg that lasted three days.  It ended with Pickett’s Charge resulting in a Union victory.  It marked the turning of the war as the Union gained the upper hand and eventually won the Civil War.