Why Was the Battle at Gettysburg Important?
Brother against brother, they fought for change or the right to keep their way of life. The civil war brought long casualty lists and many battles but one unplanned meeting would change the path of the war, the Battle of Gettysburg.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Gen. Robert E. Lee led his northern Virginia army north toward Pennsylvania for an aggressive invasion. After arriving, Lee ordered some of the brigade to head east to confirm location. Northwest of Gettysburg, the foragers met the union army lead by Gen. George Gordon Meade and the battle commenced.
Time Frame
-
On July 1, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began. A three days later on July 3, 1863, the battle ended.
-
Geography
-
The confederate troops spread from Chambersburg through Carlisle and into York town, surrounding Gettysburg.
Significance
-
Casualties and the weakening of the confederate forces made the Battle of Gettysburg the turning point of the war. A last-attempt raid by the confederates, lead by George Pickett, left 10,000 dead in 50 minutes, making Lee admit defeat and head back to Virginia. The end of the three-day battle left 51,000 casualties.
Aftermath
-
Every farm turned graveyard--every home and church a hospital. By 1864, patients and staff were gone from the place where history was made by an accidental meeting.
-
