The Union began the Peninsular Campaign in March 1862. General-in-Chief McClellan moved his Army of the Potomac from Washington down the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay to the peninsula south of the Confederate Capital of Richmond, Virginia, before advancing toward Richmond. McClellan planned a giant amphibious operation to capture Yorktown before moving on Richmond from the south. However, the Confederate Merrimack blocked the water route up the James River to Richmond, so McClellan decided to advance up the peninsula between the York and James rivers. By early April 1862 McClellan's forces had been transported by sea to the south end of the peninsula and were ready to take Yorktown. The Confederates had fewer troops than the North so they needed a diversion to keep the Union soldiers from taking Richmond. to capture Richmond, Virgina
to capture Richmond the confederate capital
d
Petersburg
yES HE DID
The Union began the Peninsular Campaign in March 1862. General-in-Chief McClellan moved his Army of the Potomac from Washington down the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay to the peninsula south of the Confederate Capital of Richmond, Virginia, before advancing toward Richmond. McClellan planned a giant amphibious operation to capture Yorktown before moving on Richmond from the south. However, the Confederate Merrimack blocked the water route up the James River to Richmond, so McClellan decided to advance up the peninsula between the York and James rivers. By early April 1862 McClellan's forces had been transported by sea to the south end of the peninsula and were ready to take Yorktown. The Confederates had fewer troops than the North so they needed a diversion to keep the Union soldiers from taking Richmond. to capture Richmond, Virgina
On May 3, 1862, Confederate forces evacuate Yorktown before Union troops overwhelm them. They have delayed McClellan's advance to Richmond by one month. On May 4, Union troops enter the vacated town.
Because Richmond was the capitol of the Confederate States of America, where the Confederate leaders were all located. Only miles form Washington DC, capturing the confederate leadership would disrupt all elements of the confederates operations.
It anchored the left of the Union line. If the Confederates could capture it, they could pour fire down on the rest of the Union position and and blow them from the field.
It was called the Anaconda Plan. It has three strategies. 1. capture Richmond 2. split Confederates in 2 by gaining the Mississippi River 3. blockade the South
to capture Richmond the confederate capital
The British fleet that were led by one Lord Cornwallis were defeated at Yorktown. A combined military force from the United States where able to capture the Yorktown.
Not really a city. It was Petersburg. But it was the last point of protection in front of Richmond, Virginia. By the time Lee surrendered, the Confederates were burning the cotton that lay in the streets of Richmond. This was what caused the city to burn down.
It never happened.
Because Richmond was the Capital of the Confederacy
Because Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy, and the seat of government.
d