The Battle of Gettysburg

Historical Significance

• The Battle of Gettysburg is considered the most important battle of the American Civil War
• This battle was by far the costliest battle of the Civil War, but not necessarily the largest
• It was a major turning point in the war

A Turning Point

• The battle ended the rumors about Lincoln trying to make peace with the South
• The battle convinced European countries not to get involved
• The battle was seen as the first major defeat of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
• The Union victory put the Confederacy on the defensive end

Robert E. Lee

• Perhaps the most widely respected commander of the Civil War
• Commander of the Confederate Army
• 5th child of Revolutionary War hero and Virginia governor Henry Lee

Gen. George G. Meade

• Union General
• Named by President Abraham Lincoln to succeed Joseph Hooker as commander of the Union Army of the Potomac

Where did the Battle Take Place?

• In and near the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• The Confederates were concentrated in the town and awaited the approach of the Union

When Did the Battle Take Place?

• The battle took place over three days
• July 1, 1863: The Confederates outnumbered the Union and caused them to retreat
• July 2, 1863: Both sides faced heavy losses due to fierce fighting throughout the day.
• July 3, 1863: Pickett's Charge

Pickett's Charge

• General Lee decided to make a full- force attack
• He sent Gen. Pickett, with 12,500 men, on a direct charge at the Union Army
• Pickett's men were defeated with over half of them injured or killed
• The Confederate Army retreated

Who Won the Battle?

• The Union Army defeated the Confederate Army, but they did not pursue Lee's Army
• There were many casualties on both sides
• The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the deadliest battles, with around 51,000 casualties, including nearly 8,000 deaths