Final answer:
General Robert E. Lee's defeat at Appomattox Court House signaled an unlikely Confederate victory, following a series of strategic missteps and significant losses at battles that preceded the surrender on April 9, 1865.
Step-by-step explanation:
After General Robert E. Lee's defeat at certain critical battles, particularly the fall of Petersburg and Richmond followed by the disastrous retreat which culminated in his surrender at Appomattox Court House, a Confederate victory grew increasingly unlikely. Lee's aggressive campaigns and significant battles, like those at Antietam and the immense losses at Malvern Hill, demonstrated moments where the Confederate forces might have changed their fortunes. However, it was the final retreat and the ensuing surrender on April 9, 1865, that marked the point of no return for the Confederacy.
Lee had hoped to join forces with Confederate General Johnston, which could have provided the necessary strength to carry on the fight, but Union General Ulysses S. Grant's strategies effectively cut off this possibility. The period leading up to Lee's surrender involved a series of setbacks that depleted the Confederate army and their resources. Furthermore, Union victories in capturing major Southern cities ensured the Confederacy was left with few options.
By the time General Lee faced Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, he was significantly outnumbered and the Confederate resources were overwhelmingly outmatched, making surrender the only viable option. Lee's strategic maneuvers and the series of battles preceding the surrender, such as the Seven Days Battles and the heavy losses at battles like Gaines Mill and Glendale, had all aimed to stave off Union advances. However, the flawed execution of commands and missed opportunities signaled a turning point where Confederate defeat became a stark reality.