Final answer:
After the Battle of the Wilderness, General Grant continued the Overland Campaign, leading to further significant battles such as the Battle of Cold Harbor, and contributing to the Union victory and the inception of Memorial Day.
Step-by-step explanation:
After both armies suffered losses at the Battle of the Wilderness, the conflict continued with significant consequences. Although casualties were heavy on both sides, Union General Ulysses S. Grant ordered his troops to proceed with the Overland Campaign. The subsequent clashes between the Union and Confederate forces led to additional battles, including the Battle of Cold Harbor.
The relentless engagement was part of Grant's strategy to continuously engage Lee's army to apply pressure and eventually lead to the capture of Richmond, the Confederate capital. The Battle of Cold Harbor would see more devastating losses, with fifteen thousand more men wounded or killed. The sacrifices made during these battles were profound, ultimately contributing to the Union's success and symbolized by the origins of Memorial Day.