The bloodiest and deadliest war in American history, the Civil War (1861-1865), was the turning point that would either release the slaves or keep the slaves in slavery. "Over 10,000 military engagements took place during the war, 40% of them in Virginia and Tennessee" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War). It was named the Civil War because it was fought between the Northern (Union) and Southern (Confederate) States of the United States. This war was unique because family members could be fighting against eachother, depending on where they lived. Furthermore, on their off-time, they might've spoken with eachother, and then battled eachother an hour or so later.
The fear of Southern slave holders having too much political power began them to believe that the United States would slowly convert over to a total slave holding country. On the South's side, they feared that the Northern States would take away their ability to have slaves. Adding to the pressure were the arrival of two new States. "Kansas and Missouri were added, the Southern factions felt that slavery should be allowed in these new territories, while the "Free Soldiers" were against it" (Cited - http://www.legendsofamerica.com/AH-CivilWar.html).
There were many major battles during the Civil War, which all had important purposes, but the Battle of Vicksburg, also known as the Siege of Vicksburg stands out dramatically. The Battle of Vicksburg consisted of two attacks (May 19 and May 22), while the first was a fail for the Union, and then the second was a success. The Union was led by Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, while the Confederates were led by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton. The Unions plan for Vicksburg was to capture it so that they could gain complete control of the Mississippi river. This was part of their Anaconda Plan.
Before the battle, Pemberton knew Grant was coming, so he slowly started moving backwards into the well-fortified city of Vicksburg. He burned bridges and took everything edible in his path: animals, plants, etc. Pemberton had to seek Vicksburg because it was a well-fortified city, and because he had lost more than three quarters of his cavalry in previous battles. Therefore, he needed to gain some major defensive locations or prepare to be outflanked. Vicksburg was his best opportunity to beat Maj. Gen. Grant's army. Michael J. Ballard reflects on the experience: Pemberton, trying to please Jefferson Davis, who insisted that Vicksburg and Port Hudson must be held, and to please Johnston, who thought both places worthless militarily, had been caught in the middle, a victim of a convoluted command system and his own indecisiveness. Too dispirited to think clearly, he chose to back his bedraggled army into Vicksburg rather than evacuate the city and head north where he might have escaped to campaign again. When he chose to take his army into Vicksburg, Pemberton sealed the fate of his troops and the city he had been determined to defend. (Cited - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vicksburg)
"As the Union forces approached Vicksburg, Pemberton could put only 18,500 troops in his lines. Grant had over 35,000, with more on the way" (Cited - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vicksburg). Although Pemberton had an advantage with the terrain, Grant had advantage with numbers. His troops far out-numbered those of Pemberton. The battle field for Vicksburg ran about 6.5miles long, with hills, fences, and all kinds of terrain that would help the Confederates.
"Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Union Army of the Tennessee brought three corps to the battle: the XIII Corps, under Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand; the XV Corps, under Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman; and the XVII Corps, under Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson. Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton's Confederate Army of Mississippi inside the Vicksburg line consisted of four divisions, under Maj. Gens. Carter L. Stevenson, John H. Forney, Martin L. Smith, and John S. Bowen" (Cited - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vicksburg).
Grant wanted to put alot of pressure on the Confederates right from the beginning of the battle so that they wouldn't get fully organized to launch an overwhelming counter attack. Therefore, Grant ordered an assault for May 19th, against the Stockade Regan. This was a very hard assault because of the terrain involved. Sherman's brigade had to obstacle over a 6 ft. deep, 8 ft. wide ditch, and climb a steep hill before being able to attack the 17 ft. high walls of Regan. Their attacks failed, so Grant ordered a bombardment of artillery to weaken their defenses at around 2 p.m. After the artillery did its job, Shermans troops tried again; however, only a few were able to get past the wall and fight against the Confederates inside. This loss put down the Unions confidence and morale. Casualties included 157 dead, 777 wounded, and 8 missing, whereas the Confederate's casualties included 8 killed and 62 wounded. This was a very big margin that could prove to be costly.
May 19th Map -
Major General Grant planned another assault for the 22nd of May; however, this time he planned it more carefully to be able to defeat the Southerns. "They would first reconnoiter thoroughly and soften up the defenses with artillery and naval gunfire. The lead units were supplied with ladders to ascend the fortification walls. Grant did not want a long siege, and this attack was to be by the entire army across a wide front" (Cited - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vicksburg). Although the Union suffered many casualties a couple days before, their hopes were high for this next engagement. They were well-fed with things that they had foraged and well-rested for the upcoming battle. "On seeing Grant pass by, a soldier commented, "Hardtack." Soon all Union troops in the vicinity were yelling, "Hardtack! Hardtack!" The Union served hardtack, beans, and coffee the night of May 21. Everyone expected that Vicksburg would fall the next day" (Cited - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Vicksburg).
May 22nd Map -