Final answer:
General Ulysses S. Grant's strategy involved relentless pressure through total war, attrition, and control of key geographical points like the Mississippi River. The inclusion of black soldiers bolstered Union ranks, and his military tactics led to significant victories that ultimately facilitated his rise to power.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Ulysses S. Grant's Strategy in the Civil War
General Ulysses S. Grant's strategy to win the Civil War involved several key elements. He understood the advantage of the Union's larger number of soldiers, recognizing that while Union forces could replenish their ranks, the Confederacy, with a smaller population, could not sustain prolonged attrition. Grant's approach was to engage in total war, striking not just military targets but also civilian infrastructure, which supported the Confederacy's war effort. This strategy was aimed at breaking the will of the South and forcing an end to the war through relentless pressure, even at the cost of heavy Union casualties.
Grant's mastery was also evident in the Western Theatre, where he focused on controlling the major rivers, notably the Mississippi, to bisect the Confederacy. The capture of Vicksburg was a turning point that gave the Union a significant advantage. The Vicksburg campaign under Grant's leadership not only secured the Mississippi for the Union but also elevated his standing, catching President Lincoln's attention. Moreover, the inclusion of black soldiers into the Union Army became an additional resource that contributed to the Union victories and weakened the Confederacy further.
Grant's well-known military strategy included probing the opponent's flanks and, if that failed, attacking up the middle, as showcased in various battles. His strategies and decisive victories influenced his rise in power and respect, eventually leading him to the presidency.