The Battle of Gettysburg
WHO
WHY
WHAT
WHERE
RESULTS
This was one of the most important battles of the Civil War for the North. It marked a turning point for the Civil War.
For the North, General George C. Meade, and from the South, General Robert E. Lee
After a series of wins in the South, Lee decided to make a second attack on the North. Both sides hoped this would be the final battle of the war.
Over the course of several days, Lee made several attacks, but the North stayed defensively strong. After three days of vicious fighting, Lee retreated. Meade waited too long to attack; Lee’s army was able to escape to Virginia.
Heavy fighting took place on farmland, in a peach orchard, and cemetery located in the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a Union victory. Heavy losses for the South meant that it could no longer attack the North. A cemetery was built and dedicated by Lincoln four months later.
July 1-3, 1863
51,000 total casualties
Union losses: 23,000
Confederate losses 28,000
General George C. Meade
General Robert E. Lee
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania