Why did Robert E. Lee surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House?

Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, because his Army of Northern Virginia was effectively trapped and had no viable route of escape.12

Following the evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg, Lee attempted a westward retreat with the goal of resupplying and joining forces with Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina. However, his efforts were thwarted by several factors:1

• Supply Shortages: Lee was consistently hampered by a lack of rations, which forced his army to delay movements and left his troops exhausted and starving.1
• Union Pursuit: Grant’s forces aggressively pursued Lee, marching parallel to his route and cutting off his path to the southwest.1
• Military Defeats: After losing significant numbers of men and equipment at battles such as Sailor’s Creek, Lee’s army was severely weakened.1
• Lack of Escape Route: On the morning of April 9, Lee’s attempt to break through Union lines failed. With his infantry engaged and no path to Lynchburg available, Lee recognized his position was hopeless and agreed to negotiate terms.1