In the Overland Campaign, what was notable about Grant's approach?

• A. He avoided losses and won decisively in every engagement
• B. He relied solely on defensive tactics
• C. He inflicted heavy losses on the Confederates and could sustain them, wearing down their forces
• D. He avoided major battles and focused on diplomacy

Answer: (C)

Grant’s approach in the Overland Campaign centers on sustained offensive pressure that aims to wear down the enemy rather than seeking one decisive win. He moved repeatedly against Lee, engaging in brutal battles at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, keeping the pressure on and refusing to let the Confederates regroup. The strength of this method lies in the ability to inflict heavy losses on the Confederate army while the Union could sustain the fight—through greater manpower,resources, and logistics—so Lee’s forces gradually dwindled in numbers, supplies, and morale. In the end, this attrition strategy paved the way for subsequent advances toward Petersburg and Richmond and contributed to the Confederate surrender.

This isn’t about avoiding losses or relying only on defense, nor about dodging major battles or diplomacy. The hallmark is relentless, costly offensives designed to erode the opponent’s Army of Northern Virginia over time.