Why was Gettysburg a pivotal moment in the Civil War?

Answer 1

Gettysburg was indeed a pivotal moment, as it caused Lee to retreat back into Virginia, and was the second time that an attempted invasion of the North (the first was Antietam) failed and the Army of Northern Virginia had to retreat.

My view, and it is only one of hindsight and speculation, was that Antietam was a more pivotal moment. In a battle that was, more or less, a draw, the South retreated. The reason for this was the lack, or inability, of the lesser industrialized South to sustain combat in the North. As well, it pointed out the difficulty of Jefferson Davis' strategy of "we want to be left alone" while at the same time claiming sovereign right to territory bought through the Louisiana Purchase.

My view again, is the South had only claimed territories that were original colonies, they may have been seen as more legitimate. However, the US Constitution contained no provision for states to secede.

Answer 2

Depends what part of Gettysburg, you're refferig to. Are you reffering to the actual fighting that went on, during the civil war, in Gettysburg? They fought in other areas, too. The reason for the civil war? Or the civil war in general? I think it's safe to say, that the most spcial thing about the Gettysburg part of the war, was the Presidentil speech. But I think prhaps Gettysburg was part of the south. The two sides got into the civil war, because ofslavery, and the fact that the north and the south were, divided, so to speak. You can get a better understanding about it, by reading any history books about it, or which mention it.

Answer 3

INTRODUCTION TO ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S GETTYSBURG ADDRESS.

http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/25.htm

The Battle of Gettysburg
(July 1-3, 1863)

Gettysburg: The Battle on the Right

By Colonel Wm. C. Oates, of Alabama

http://ehistory.osu.edu/uscw/features/regimental/alabama/confederate/15thAlabama/gettysburg.cfm

On November 19, President Lincoln went to the battlefield to dedicate it as a military cemetery. The main orator, Edward Everett of Massachusetts, delivered a two hour formal address. The president then had his turn. He spoke in his high, penetrating voice and in a little over two minutes delivered the Gettysburg Address, surprising many in the audience by its shortness and leaving others quite unimpressed.

Over time, however, the speech and its words - government of the People, by the People, for the People - have come to symbolize the definition of democracy itself.

http://www.historyplace.com/civilwar/battle.htm

The impact of Gettysburg was heavy on either side, and spurred the famous Gettysburg address. After the decimation of the Lee's army, and the General Ulysses S. Grant , the North had gained the offensive and a distinct advantage over the Confederate states.

http://library.thinkquest.org/3055/graphics/experience/battles/gettysburg.html

http://www.civilwarhome.com/gettysbu.htm

On June 24, 1863, General Robert E. Lee led his Confederate Army across the Potomac River and headed towards Pennsylvania.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/gtburg.htm

http://www.historyplace.com/civilwar/index.html#gettys

Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.

Answer 4

After this battle, the Confederacy was only on the defensive. It was all down hill for them. That is why Gettysburg and Vicksburg (July 1-4, 1863) is called the turning point of the Civil War.

Answer 5

Because it was here that tide turned to the favor of the Union. It was the first time that the confederacy was truly on the defensive, and suffered a major loss in battle.