Why did General Lee march his troops into Pennsylvania?

Answer 1

He wanted to convince Union politicians to give up the war and allow the South to break free of the United States because the southern forces had the will and the capacity to continue the war and to even bring the havoc of war to their own back yard.

Answer 2

Lee moved the Army of Northern Virginia into Maryland and Pennsylvania with the intention of toppling the Lincoln government, or at least surrounding the capital to force recognition of the independence of the South. The Confederate leaders believed that a major victory was necessary to force the Union to quit the war, and encourage Britain and France to break the blockade of Southern ports. Lee knew that his Army would be confronted by a larger, better supplied Union Army, but believed that he could break through and win.

Answer 3

Robert E. Lee marched to Pennsylvania because he was forcing an attack on Northern soil. He hoped it would cause them to surrender and allow the Confederacy to be their own country. He also had very malnourished troops and animals, and he hoped they could eat Northern crops to replenish.

Answer 4

Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his army into Pennsylvania occupy that state's capital of Harrisburg that would enable the Confederates to threaten Washington DC. A successful raid would produce positive results which included:
* Providing support to war Democrats and others to seek a peace settlement;
* Severely damaging the Army of the Potomac;
* Causing chaos in the important port city of Baltimore; and
* Relieving some of the Union pressure on Vicksburg.

Answer 5

At heart, Lieutenant General Robert E. Lee favored the tactical offensive. After his victory at Chancellorsville, he planned a raid into Pennsylvania for several reasons. He targeted the capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, as a means to strike fear into the Union's citizens. He planned to also live off the land and trap a tired and strung out Army of the Potomac and win a decisive victory that would seriously damage the Union's ability to wage war against the South. A victory in Union territory would advance the cause of various peace groups in the North that wanted a negotiated peace to end the war. Also, his movement north of the Potomac River would force the Union to abandon any aims it had on Richmond, and as a bonus, relieve pressure on Vicksburg.

Answer 6

...wanted to plunder this prosperous state, to re-supply his army with food and provisions such as boots and shoes.

Answer 7

to have won a victory on Union soil. to win that battle was a HUGE stepping stone for the Confederacy.

++G WAS HERE++

Answer 8

== == That's where his enemy was. To have won that battle was probably to won the war.