- Win a decisive battle in Virginia to force the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia (ANV). This was the main objective of the Union army in 1864. Grant believed that if he could defeat Lee's army, the Confederacy would collapse.
- Capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the political and economic center of the Confederacy, and its capture would be a major blow to Confederate morale.
- Cut off the ANV's supplies and reinforcements. Grant planned to do this by destroying the Virginia Central Railroad, which ran from Richmond to the Shenandoah Valley.
- Invade the Shenandoah Valley and destroy Confederate farms and supplies. This would prevent the ANV from obtaining food and other resources.
Confederate Strategy
- Avoid a decisive battle with the Union army. Lee knew that his army was outnumbered and outgunned, so he planned to avoid a direct confrontation with Grant.
- Use the terrain to their advantage. The Confederates were familiar with the terrain in Virginia, and they planned to use it to their advantage by fighting from defensive positions.
- Harass the Union army and make it difficult for them to supply themselves. The Confederates planned to use guerilla warfare to slow down the Union advance and make it difficult for them to get food and supplies.
- Wait for the Union army to make a mistake. Lee believed that the Union army would eventually make a mistake, and he planned to take advantage of it.