Why was the US Civil War Battle of Spotsylvania so important?

Answer 1

The US Civil War Battle of Spotsylvania was important for several reasons, one often overlooked one was that it amplified General Sherman's warning to US Grant that losses in Virginia to Robert E. Lee would tarnish Grant's position as Lieutenant General. More importantly, however, it magnified US Grant's negative image as a general willing to sacrifice as many of his soldiers as required to win a battle. The losses incurred by US Grant during Spotsylvania and in fact throughout the entire Overland campaign would never be tolerated in the US today.

Spotsylvania was also important in that to the utmost degree the value of superb fortifications could halt an offensive assault of great magnitude. At Spotsylvania Lee's army constructed the most impressive trench system of its time to that date. Aside from the normal "digging" the Confederates dug extremely deep trenches with thick parapets and placed obstructions well in front of the trenches. Their system had numerous traverses allowing for the movement of troops to form concentrations as required. Remarkable, the fortifications were built rather quickly, yet rivaled the fortifications surrounding Washington DC.

Grant's losses amounted to a casualty count of 35,000 men over eight days. Southern losses were high as well, however, they were less than half of Union losses. This the South could not afford. With that said, even pro-Grant writers have noted that Lee had no choices at Spotsylvania, but Grant did. The spin that Grant and President Lincoln "created" Union losses as a tactic, win or lose holds no currency. Grant wanted to win and defeat the fortification tactics. And reverse the casualty outcome. There was no joy or satisfaction that the Union could afford huge losses and the South could not.