What is the most decisive battle of the Civil War? Many historians say that it is the Battle of Champion Hill. The Battle of Champion Hill was a game changer for the Vicksburg campaign, it lead to the ultimate victory of Vicksburg which was a Confederate stronghold. The Battle of Champion Hill was the most decisive battle fought during the Civil War’s campaign of Vicksburg; consequently, it affected the morale of the people living during the time period for the following reasons: influential leaders, high casualties, and an altered outcome. The Battle of Champion hill was the most decisive of the Vicksburg campaign (“Battle of Champion Hill”). The fateful day occurred on May 16, 1863 and was a major Union victory for Major General Ulysses S. Grant, the head of the Union military (“Core of Champion Hill Battlefield Finally Protected” 14). The union overcame the defying odds of Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton’s army being double the size of the Union’s (Woodworth). The battle came to be when General Grant was informed that the Confederate army had arrived at Edwards Station and were …show more content…
During the battle, the Federals lost a total of 32,000 men and the Confederates lost a total of 23,000 (Cox 9). Today, as we learn more about the battle, Champion Hill is now protected from development by the Civil War Preservation Trust and contains 147 acres (“Core of Champion Hill Battlefield Finally Protected”