The Battle of Gettysburg: The Turning Point The Battle of Gettysburg, was fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, and is considered the most important engagement of the American Civil War. This was a battle fought by two groups, the Northerners and the Southerners. The battle of Gettysburg was the ultimate turning point in the Civil War for the North, leaving the southerners backing down and the northerners ecstatic that slavery could soon be abolished. Three years into the Civil War, this battle began. This is what is known known as The Battle of Gettysburg. This was fought for three of the most hot summer days lasting from, July 1st to July 3rd. The …show more content…
Robert E. Lee the General of the Confederate Army knew the North had a greater advantage in supplies and army, while the South struggled with food and equipment. Lee knew that they would eventually grow weaker and weaker until the North over took them. Lee's plan was to take the battle up North in a move up the Shenandoah Valley. He knew that up North he could take advantage of the farmers and the rich crop land. Also moving up North he knew that it would threaten Union cities such as Baltimore, Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Having this thought, Lee saw it as the best way to end the war before the South was trapped in an unwinnable battle of attrition. As Lee moved North, the Union army shadowed him, moving to stay between Confederate forces and Washington. Both armies were looking for a fight. After this battle, the South began to loose confidence in their fight for slavery. The battle of Gettysburg was the ultimate turning point for the North in the Civil War. This fight between the North and south is what lead to the victory of The Union. The question being asked in this essay is, "Why was the Battle …show more content…
General Lee states he is loosing confidence, and his doubt of war made the South's chance of winning this battle slimmer. Lee confirms he is unable to meet expectations, and slowly they loose power as the North stands strong. In letter two, line six, Lee says, "I am unable to accomplish what I myself desire, how will I be able to fulfill the expectations of other people?" In this line Lee shows weakness, and he shows that he is worried. The attitude the Confederates General was showing, made their army doubtful. Gettysburg was a turning point in the war because, it shows that the South were slowly loosing hope, and the North were really beginning to win the war. The Confederates were loosing hope as the Union stayed