Why did Robert E. Lee surrender at Appomattox Court House?

Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, because his Army of Northern Virginia was effectively surrounded and lacked any viable route of escape.12

Following the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg on April 2, 1865, Lee attempted a westward retreat with the goal of resupplying his troops and joining forces with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina. However, his efforts were hampered by critical shortages of food and supplies, as well as constant pressure from Union forces under Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.32

By April 9, Lee’s remaining force of approximately 27,000 soldiers was blocked by Union cavalry and infantry. After a final attempt to break through Union lines failed, Lee recognized that his position was hopeless. To avoid further unnecessary bloodshed, he chose to negotiate terms of surrender with Grant, which allowed his men to be paroled and return to their homes rather than face charges of treason.23