The Civil War Finally Ends — Reading Comprehension

The Civil War ended in April 1865 after four long years of fighting between the North and the South. The main reason for the war was the issue of slavery. The North wanted to end slavery, but the South wanted to keep it. The war caused much suffering and sadness across the country.

General Ulysses S. Grant led the Union army from the North. General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate army from the South. Both leaders showed great bravery and skill. In the spring of 1865, Lee's army grew weak. They were running out of food and supplies. Grant's army kept pushing them back.

On April 9, 1865, General Lee made a big decision. He met General Grant at a place called Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Lee said, "There is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousand deaths." He chose to surrender to save his men. Grant accepted Lee's surrender with respect. He let the Confederate soldiers go home, saying, "Let us have peace."

The surrender at Appomattox ended the Civil War. Soldiers on both sides felt relief and hope. President Abraham Lincoln hoped the country could heal. He wanted Americans to forgive each other and rebuild the nation.

The end of the Civil War was a turning point for the United States. Slavery was soon ended everywhere. The country worked to come back together as one.

Interesting Fact: After the surrender, Union soldiers saluted the Confederate soldiers as they left. This showed respect for their courage.

Who led the Union army?

Where did Lee surrender?

What year did the Civil War end?

Why did Lee surrender?

What did Grant say after the surrender?

What happened after the war ended?

The Civil War ended in 1865.

What does surrender mean?