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== Assessment ==

== Assessment ==

The Overland Campaign developed Grant's postwar reputation as a butcher, not caring about the immense casualties suffered. It also helped support the postwar notion that Lee was only defeated by superior numbers, not by good generalship. Although there is a kernel of truth in this, it undestimates and misunderstands General Grant's strategy. The idea in the Overland Campaign was not to take Richmond but to force Lee into open battle. Although Grant did not succeed in this regard, he did deal heavy damage to the Confederate army in Virginia. The campaign demonstrated the difficulty in assaulting prepared defensive works, which would only become more complex during the ensuing Petersburg campaign.  

The Overland Campaign gave Grant a reputation as a butcher, not caring about the immense casualties suffered. It helped support the notion that Lee was only defeated by superior numbers, not by good generalship. Although there is a kernel of truth in this, it undestimates and misunderstands General Grant's strategy. The idea in the Overland Campaign was not to take Richmond but to permantly weaken Lee's forces. Grant did succeed in this regard, and Lee never recovered.  Soldiers who fought for Lee seldom came home in one piece, unless they deserted; by the end, most had deseerted. Lincoln,  meanwhile, replaced all Grant's losses and used the Republican Party to hold public opinion in line behind Grant.  Grant became the great American war hero.  

== References ==

== References ==