Pemberton's Strategic Surrender at Vicksburg
Confederate General John Pemberton surrendered Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, because he believed doing so would lead to better surrender terms from the Union army. In his own words, he acknowledged the "vanity" of the Union forces and reasoned that capturing Vicksburg on Independence Day would be such a symbolic victory for the North that they might be more generous in return.
Plan for this activity:

1. Warm-Up: What Makes a Day Important? (5–7 minutes)

  • Ask students:
    • What are some days in history that are considered important or symbolic?
    • Why do people or nations care so much about specific dates (like July 4)?
    • Can choosing a date send a message?
  • Write key responses on the board such as: Independence Day, symbolism, public opinion, pride, strategy.

2. Historical Background (10 minutes)

Provide a short summary of the context:

  • The Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War
  • The situation facing General John Pemberton and his troops (hunger, disease, surrounded)
  • The Union’s goal to control the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy

3. Primary Source Reading (10–12 minutes)

Distribute and read the following excerpt together:

"If I should be asked why the 4th of July was selected as the day for surrender, the answer is obvious. I believed that upon that day I should obtain better terms. Well aware of the vanity of our foe, I knew they would attach vast importance to the entrance on the 4th of July into the stronghold of the great river, and that, to gratify their national vanity, they would yield then what could not be extorted from them at any other time."

Discuss with the class:

  • What is Pemberton trying to say?
  • What does he mean by “vanity of our foe”?
  • Why might July 4 be a smart or strategic choice for surrender?

4. Short Answer Questions (15 minutes)

Students respond to the questions on the printable activity page. Encourage students to write in complete sentences with evidence from the text.

5. Wrap-Up Discussion or Exit Ticket (10 minutes)

  • Review possible answers to the questions and ask reflective questions:
    • Was Pemberton’s decision clever, desperate, or both?
    • Can symbolism still influence important decisions today?
Other Uses:
Reading Groups - This passage serves as an excellent tool for enrichment-based reading groups in language arts or social studies.
Morning Work - The activity takes most students about 20 minutes to complete, making it an ideal solution for morning work.
Homework - This activity is a great way to assign homework in social studies or language arts.