Gettysburg: The Most Significant Turning Point Of The American Civil War

The Battle of Gettysburg The Battle of Gettysburg is known as the most significant turning point of the American civil war. This battle took place from July 1st to July 3rd 1863. Robert E. Lee marched his army into Pennsylvania in late June after the victory over Chancellorsville. On July 1st the confederates clashed with the union’s army commanded by General George G. Meade, in Gettysburg. On July 2nd the fighting became heavier as the confederates attacked the federals. On July 3rd Lee ordered an attack for less than 15000 troops on the enemy’s center at cemetery ridge. Lees attempt to pierce the union lines eventually failed and lee was forced to withdraw his army towards Virginia. July 4th 1863 was the end of the battle of Gettysburg. May 1863, Robert E. Lee’s army scared a victory at Chancellorsville. Lee decided to go on the offensive and invade the north for a second time. Lee hoped to gain recognition of the confederacy by Britain and France. This would lead to strengthening the cause of northern “copperheads” who believed in more than anything peace. On the
Lee believed his men had been on the edge of victory and decided to send three divisions against the union center on cemetery ridge. All together there were less than 15000 troops led by George Pickett. They would have to march 3 quarters of a mile across open fields to attack the union’s positions. Lee was determined and the attack later known as “Pickett’s Charge” was put into action around 3pm, after a bombardment by 150 confederate guns. The union opened fire on the advancing rebels from behind stone walls. Caught from all sides, only half of the confederates survived and picket’s division lost two thirds of his men. Survivors stumbled back to their opening position, lee scrambled to show their defensive line after the failed