Which battle is considered the turning point of the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg is considered the turning point of the Civil War for several reasons. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, it marked a significant victory for the Union forces against the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee. This confrontation was one of the largest and deadliest battles of the war, resulting in about 51,000 casualties.

The Union's victory at Gettysburg halted Lee's invasion of the North and boosted Northern morale. It not only marked a strategic shift in favor of the Union but also weakened the Confederate Army significantly, limiting their ability to wage offensive operations. Following the battle, the Confederacy was largely on the defensive, while the Union began to gain momentum.

Additionally, the significance of Gettysburg was underscored by its timing and location. Falling just after the Union victory at Vicksburg, which effectively split the Confederacy, Gettysburg solidified Union control in the east and set the stage for further advances into the South. These factors combined make Gettysburg a critical pivot in the overall progress of the war, influencing both military strategies and public sentiment in the North and South alike.