The Aftermath of Gettysburg: The South’s Descent from Glory to Grievance

In the second half of 1863, a critical phase of the American Civil War, perceptions of the Confederate army's success began to waver. Despite previous battle successes and the ability to contest Union operations effectively, the Southern military faced significant setbacks. The Battle of Gettysburg and subsequent victories for the Union marked a turning point in the Confederacy's fortunes, leading to a profound transformation for the South as a whole.

Strategic Failures and Leadership Disputes

Leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, Union General Ulysses S. Grant successfully navigated the Mississippi River, a critical strategic move that combined the sieges of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Confederate General Robert E. Lee, instead of recognizing the strategic necessity of retreating from Pennsylvania, launched an offensive demonstration into the north. However, this decision proved to be a significant tactical misstep.

The Battle of Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863, resulted in a decisive Union victory, culminating with the capture of Confederate General John C. Pemberton at Vicksburg. The simultaneous fall of Port Hudson completed the Union's control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two. These failures not only hampered Confederate military strategy but also significantly weakened the morale and fighting spirit of the Southern troops.

Recovery Efforts and Northern Advances

Following these defeats, the Confederate cabinet sought to bolster morale and regain initiative. They targeted the Union's supply situation by engaging the Army of the Cumberland under Philip Sheridan at the Battle of Chickamauga. Despite a notable Confederate victory, Braxton Bragg's failure to capitalize on the opportunity allowed for Union General Ambrose Burnside's liberation of Knoxville.

In response, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Ulysses S. Grant as General-in-Chief of the Union armies. Grant was tasked with driving the Confederates from Tennessee and protecting key supply lines. Over the next few months, Grant's forces successfully reclaimed control of Tennessee, solidifying Union grip on the eastern theater of the war.

Vicksburg and Chattanooga: The Turning Point

With the fall of Vicksburg on July 4 and Chattanooga on November 25, the South faced a critical challenge in finding capable leadership to lead to further victories. Prior to these battles, Confederate officials were hesitant to accept Grant's potential, but Lincoln’s appointment and Grant's subsequent successes proved pivotal. By March 1864, Grant was officially made the General and Chief of the Army, laying the groundwork for the Union's path to victory.

The Impact on Southern Society

The aftermath of Gettysburg had profound social and psychological impacts on the South. In Richmond, a city that was witness to the battle's devastating consequences, the death toll from the war's casualty lists published in newspaper accounts became a stark reminder of the collective loss among the white population. The prevailing sentiment among many whites was one of anger and despair, with Black individuals becoming the subject of natural fashion trends in Richmond as they held a unique position in the Southern economy.

Furthermore, the persistence of Confederate die-hard supporters in blaming President Lincoln for their military and diplomatic failures contributed to a growing sense of grievance and a fractured South. Intellectuals and political figures who sought to preserve the Confederacy's legacy continued to rally against Lincoln's authority, setting the stage for the events of January 6, 2021.

The post-Gettysburg period was thus a period of great transformation for the South. From strategic defeats and leadership struggles to societal shifts and demographic changes, the South's journey from the Battle of Gettysburg through the remainder of the Civil War was marked by significant changes.