key term - Battle of Gettysburg

Definition

The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal clash in the American Civil War, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It marked a turning point in the war, as the Union Army's victory ended General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North and began a shift in momentum toward the Union forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Gettysburg involved around 93,921 Union soldiers against approximately 71,699 Confederate troops, making it one of the largest battles in the Civil War.
2. This battle is known for its high casualty rate, with estimates of about 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing over the three-day conflict.
3. The Union's victory at Gettysburg helped to boost Northern morale and support for the war effort after a series of Confederate victories.
4. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery on November 19, 1863, emphasizing unity and the principles of human equality.
5. The defeat marked a significant decline in Lee's offensive capabilities and forced him to retreat back to Virginia, changing the course of the war.

Review Questions

• What strategies did both Union and Confederate commanders employ during the Battle of Gettysburg, and how did these strategies impact the outcome?
  • Union commanders, particularly General George Meade, utilized strong defensive positions on higher ground, such as Cemetery Hill and Little Round Top, which allowed them to effectively repel Confederate assaults. Conversely, General Lee's strategy involved aggressive attacks to overwhelm Union forces, notably through Pickett's Charge on the third day. The failure of this charge and poor communication among Confederate units ultimately led to a decisive Union victory.
• Analyze how the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg influenced public perception and political sentiment in both the North and South following the battle.
  • The Union victory at Gettysburg significantly boosted Northern morale and reinforced support for continuing the war effort. It was seen as a vindication of President Lincoln's leadership and an essential step toward preserving the Union. In contrast, the defeat dealt a heavy blow to Southern morale and confidence in their military leadership. The loss at Gettysburg marked a turning point that led many in the South to question their prospects for winning independence.
• Evaluate how President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address reframed the meaning of the Civil War in terms of national purpose and unity.
  • Lincoln's Gettysburg Address transformed the narrative of the Civil War from merely a struggle for territorial integrity to a fight for fundamental principles like freedom and equality. By invoking the nation's founding ideals, he redefined the war as a means to ensure that 'government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.' This reframing united many Northern citizens under a shared vision for post-war America, emphasizing not just survival but also a commitment to democracy.

Related terms

Union Army:

The land force that fought for the United States during the Civil War, aimed at preserving the Union and ultimately ending slavery.

Confederate Army: The military forces that fought for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, seeking independence from the Union.

Pickett's Charge: A significant assault ordered by General Lee on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, which resulted in heavy Confederate losses and is often cited as a turning point in the battle.