[July 4, 2018] Last year, I wrote about the surrender of the Confederate garrison at Vicksburg, Mississippi on this date; July 4, 1863, and how the city’s residents did not celebrate Independence Day until the 1960s because of it.1 What I didn’t write was that the Vicksburg Siege was part of Lincoln’s grand strategy and his idea of preventing the U.S. from splitting apart.
There has been a lot of talk about California and Oregon voluntarily seceding from the U.S. because their “progressive” ideology is believed to be morally superior to the rest of the nation. Also, it could be considered viable as California alone is the sixth-largest economy in the world.2
The reason U.S. President Abraham Lincoln fought to keep the nation together was more than the vision of the founders of the nation but he recognized that strength came from unity. In a world where strength mattered most; weaker nations were being destroyed and what remained was absorbed into the conquering nation.
Independence Day is more than the celebration of the anniversary when the United States declared its independence from England in 1776. This date is symbolic of its struggles and the sacrifices of its peoples throughout its history. Secession would be seen as a failure of the Founding Fathers dream of a “united” United States.
The Vicksburg Siege was part of a Union operation known as the Anaconda Plan. Like the snake, the plan was to strangle the Confederate states, starving them of supplies and destroying their will to fight. It involved a blockage from the seas and the capture of the Mississippi River waterway system. The Anaconda Plan in conjunction with a major ground offensive brought the war to its conclusion and kept the United States whole.
For everyone in the free world, we all should remember that strength comes from unity, not secession or division. The 4th of July in the U.S. is symbolic of that idea.
—————–
- https://www.theleadermaker.com/6604-2/
- http://www.businessinsider.com/calexit-explainer-california-plans-to-secede-2016-11
See my previous 4th of July posts here:
- The 4th of July and France – https://www.theleadermaker.com/4th-july-france/
- Independence Day: July 4, 1963 – https://www.theleadermaker.com/independence-day-july-4-1963/
- Independence Day Message: July 4th – https://www.theleadermaker.com/independence-day-message-july-4th-2/
- Independence Day Message: July 4th – https://www.theleadermaker.com/independence-day-message-july-4th/
Long time reader but just today making a written comment. I think your site is the best leadership website. Short, sweet, and to the point. Always of value to read this.
Welcome aboard, Mike.
I hope everyone is able to attend some patriotic event today. I did. Had a beer, hot dog, and chips. Nice!
It is important – in any country – to be patriotic and help ensure unity. Else, there is a real danger that the county’s government will be overtaken by radicals or outside forces.
Sounds like some radicals in the US.
https://www.reference.com/history/significance-battle-vicksburg-38760a7da67176ec
Here is a link to a good article that speaks to the significance of the Battle for Vicksburg. What all of us should remember is that our lives are far better off today than it ever was even 50 years ago. Our poorest people today are better off than the richest people in 1860s.
Your article made me wonder about other locations in the South during the US Civil War and how they faired.
Nice day for a parade to celebrate our freedom.
You got that right. Thank you for your service.
Thanks Eric.
Got to be present in my town’s July 4th parade. I stood, along with others, whenever the US flag passed. It was not required of us. It wasn’t the law to stand or mandated by our city, state, or country. We stood because we are proud of our flag and country. Any country that is free, we are with them. Thank goodness for Pres Trump. He has our backs.
Good points, Jelly.
Thanks for your service, Lynn.
I just returned from my town’s 4th of July parade. I saw the local high school band, plenty of firetrucks and ambulances, veterans, dancing girls, plenty of people dressed up in red, white, and blue, and Indian tribal chiefs dressed up on their horses. Lots of children out too.
I truly liked your comments on Vicksburg Mississippi as a small city that took the brunt of the Union forces in 1863. The strategy of US Pres Lincoln was exceptional. More of us could learn from it.
Happy 4th of July.
Freedom is something all humans (and animals) want more than anything. Any person who desires the restrictions of government is wrong-headed. Communism, socialism, progressivism, and a host of other government inspired institutions may give you some degree of security but they will NEVER give you freedom.
I don’t think many will be on-line today because of all the activities. Good article today, General Satterfield. Have a happy 4th of July.
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m up early to walk my dog, get my BBQ grill ready, and otherwise preparing for a big celebration. My family and I will go tonight to watch the big fireworks display. Happy Fourth of July.
Happy Independence Day ! CHEERS.
Happy 4th of July to all my American colleagues from those of us from Australia.
SPECIAL NOTE: On this great Independence Day for the United States it should be remembered that any peoples who desire freedom from the strangulation of any form of government, that we stand behind you.
Well said, thanks. Happy 4th.
I totally agree with you Gen. Satterfield.