What did General Robert E Lee hope to achieve by conducting a raid into Pennsylvania in 1863?

Answer 1

After Lee's victory at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Lee believed that a major victory in the East would help to bring the Union to lose faith in their war efforts. By marching in the Union territory Lee would threaten Washington DC, and prevent any Union assault into Virginia. He also hoped his move North might relive the Union pressure on Vicksburg. He also believed that the pursuing Union army could fall into a trap and by using a tactical defense, destroy or at least severely damage the Army of the Potomac. By occupying the capital of Pennsylvania, Northern peace movements would be strengthened, and the panic caused by capturing Harrisburg, Pennsylvania would be devastating to the North and might also bring Great Britain to intervene and call for peace talks.

Answer 2

He hoped to take the war out of Virginia, and draw recruits from pro slavery elements in Maryland.

Answer 3

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