To what extent did the Confederate loss at Gettysburg lead to the Union victory of the American Civil War?

Question

Just my A level coursework topic for my independant study! I have my answer but i wanna see what you guys think!

Answer 1

It really wasn't the most important battle in the war, but it did have some effects.

It stopped the second Confederate invasion of Union territory. If the battle hadn't occurred or had occurred differently, the advance may not have been stopped. That being said, if more Union territory had been taken, especially a major city, it could have been crushing to the Union.

The battle cost a number of men that the Army of Northern Virginia could not spare. From the start the Union had the advantage in numbers, that was what really won the war for them. If the troops that fell at Gettysburg hadn't, it would have made Grant's efforts and eventual victory harder.

Answer 2

All told, the Union Forces lost around 23,000 troops while the Confederates lost around 28,000 (largely due to Picketts charge). The Union could easily replace those losses, the Confederates could not aford to lose so many troops. The Battle of Ghettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War because it was the last time the Confederates would have the strength to go so far North. From then on, the Confederates were on the defensive.

Answer 3

Gettysburg has been referred to as the High Water Mark of the Confederacy. After the battle they never had the capacity to force a victory in actual combat they could only hope for a political victory which couldn't come without the support of France and England.

Answer 4

Also important to note is that there were French and English military attaches present in both army's camps, and their reports home after Gettysburg ended any possibility of a combined Anglo-French intervention to stop the war and impose a peace.

After Gettysburg, the Rebels were well and truly on their own.

Answer 5

The fact that the Union army had better weapons was what won the war ......