Question

how did the overland campaign help ulysses s. grant achieve his goal of weakening the confederacy?
a. though costly for the union, the confederates struggled to recover from their losses.
b. though long and bloody, union soldiers were forced out of virginia.
c. though many lives were lost, valuable confederate property was destroyed.
d. though the campaign was grueling, the union managed to close the last confederate port.

Explanation:

The Overland Campaign was a series of battles in 1864. The Union had more resources (men, supplies) to replenish losses compared to the Confederacy. Even though the Union suffered casualties, the Confederacy, with its smaller population and fewer resources, could not easily replace its lost soldiers. This weakened the Confederacy's military strength over time.

• Option B is incorrect as Union soldiers were not forced out of Virginia; they continued to press the Confederates.
• Option C: While property destruction could be a factor in some campaigns (like Sherman's March), it was not the main way the Overland Campaign weakened the Confederacy. The focus was more on manpower losses.
• Option D: Closing the last Confederate port was not the outcome of the Overland Campaign. The Overland Campaign was mainly a land - based series of battles in Virginia.

Answer:

A. Though costly for the Union, the Confederates struggled to recover from their losses.