Battle of Gettysburg

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The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was a pivotal event in the American Civil War. It took place in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, between the Union Army of the Potomac led by General George Meade and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee. This three-day battle marked a turning point in the war, as it thwarted Lee's second invasion of the North and his hope for a negotiated peace. The battle resulted in massive casualties, with estimates suggesting over 50,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or missing. The battle unfolded with intense fighting across various locations, including Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and Cemetery Ridge. The climax was Pickett's Charge on July 3, where Confederate forces suffered heavy losses. Despite the Union victory, General Meade failed to pursue Lee's retreating army, missing an opportunity to end the war sooner. The aftermath saw President Abraham Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address, a speech that redefined the war's purpose and honored the fallen soldiers. The battle's significance extends beyond its military outcome, as it remains a defining moment in American history.