The Last Full Measure Study Guide & Plot Synopsis

The Last Full Measure Plot Summary

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Shortly after his defeat at Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate army oversees the retreat across the Potomac River. The next battle involves Hill trying to attach Chamberlain's position at Bristoe Station, which ends in defeat for Hill because he was unaware of the Federal's strength.

Lincoln assigns General Ulysses S. Grant the supreme leadership of the Federal army. Grant begins his campaign to penetrate the South and force Lee's surrender. This leads to a long fight in the Wilderness, which turns out a draw. Lee rushes to Spotsylvania to set up defenses, thinking that Grant's objective is to take Richmond. The ensuing battle shows that Grant does not want Richmond but Petersburg, a major supply line center for Lee's army. Lee comes to the realization that he is Grant's objective and that Grant intends to destroy the Confederate army.

Through employing the defensive tactic of trench warfare,...
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