History
The Battle of Gettysburg Explained
Understand the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the American Civil War that resulted in a Union victory and over 50,000 casualties.
What is it?
The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal three-day battle in the American Civil War, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It involved the Union Army of the Potomac, led by Major General George Meade, and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee. The engagement resulted in a decisive victory for the Union and is considered the bloodiest battle in U.S. history, with an estimated 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. The battle culminated in "Pickett's Charge," a failed Confederate assault on the final day.
Why is it trending?
Historically, Gettysburg is recognized as the crucial turning point of the Civil War. General Lee's defeat halted his second invasion of the North and permanently shifted the war's momentum in favor of the Union. This victory, combined with the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi, dealt a severe blow to the Confederacy's strategic capabilities. The battle's significance was immortalized months later when President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the national cemetery, redefining the purpose of the war.
How does it affect people?
The battle had a devastating and immediate impact on the soldiers and the town of Gettysburg. With over 50,000 casualties, nearly one-third of the forces engaged, the human cost was immense. The town's residents were left to care for thousands of wounded and bury the dead. For the nation, the Union victory bolstered Northern morale and dashed Confederate hopes of forcing a negotiated end to the conflict. It ensured the war would continue until the Confederacy's eventual surrender, profoundly shaping the future of the United States and leading to what Lincoln termed "a new birth of freedom."