Black and white image showing cannonballs and cannon barrels in the foreground. Church steeples, a structure that looks like a Greek temple, and a smoke stack are in the background, surrounded by destroyed buildings. Public domain Look at this photograph of Richmond, Virginia after its capture. How does this represent an important event during the Civil War? It shows the large amount of weapons and ammunition the Union forces lost in the battle. It demonstrates the increased strength of the Confederate forces following Sherman's attack. It depicts the destruction of the South's capital after a Confederate evacuation. It illustrates the North's failure to protect important military targets.