The document summarizes the Battle of Vicksburg between the Union and Confederate forces. It describes how the South developed the first ironclad ship, the Monitor, in response. It then explains that Vicksburg, Mississippi was key to controlling the Mississippi River, but was difficult for the Union to take due to its defenses. The battle lasted six weeks as Grant led the Union forces against Vicksburg, until the Confederates ran out of supplies and surrendered on July 4th, 1863.