Tell Me More: Significant Event / Battle Option

Name of Event/Battle: The Battle of Gettysburg

What made this event or battle important to the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, is considered a turning point in the American Civil War. It marked the last significant attempt by Confederate General Robert E. Lee to invade the North, and its outcome gave the Union Army a much-needed boost in morale and strategic advantage.

Union / North or Confederacy / South?

The battle was fought between the Union forces (North) and the Confederate forces (South).

Fact 1

• High Casualties: The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, with approximately 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing, making it a pivotal event that heavily impacted both armies’ capabilities going forward.

Fact 2

• Gettysburg Address: The battle site later became the location of President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863, which reiterated the principles of liberty and equality and helped to redefine the purpose of the war, inspiring many to continue the fight for Union and emancipation.