THESIS: Was the encounter of General Grant's Union Army and General Lee's Confederate Army at Spotsylvania a victory for either side considering both sides lost thousands of men? The Battle of Spotsylvania cost the Union Army over 18,000 men and equipment, however; it set the stage for General Grant's push southward to Richmond. General Lee's Confederate Army had smaller losses of only 8,000 men, however; the battle only served as a delaying tactic for the Confederate Army to build up its forces to the south in Richmond. Historically, the Union Army was victorious in terms of defeating the Confederate Army, but at a terrible cost of lives and equipment.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.