What was the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, holds immense significance as a pivotal turning point in the Civil War in favor of the Union. This battle is often cited as the moment when the tide began to turn against the Confederacy. Prior to Gettysburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee had achieved a series of victories in the Eastern Theater, and his army's advance into the North was aimed at shifting the war's momentum and potentially securing foreign recognition for the Confederacy.

The Union victory at Gettysburg halted Lee's invasion and ended his hopes of defeating the Union Army on Northern soil. It marked the first significant defeat for Lee's forces, which had a tremendous impact on the morale of both the Union and Confederate armies. In addition to the strategic implications, the battle resulted in significant casualties; it was one of the bloodiest battles of the entire war, with approximately 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. This loss weakened the Confederate military significantly.

Moreover, the aftermath of Gettysburg bolstered Union President Abraham Lincoln's determination, as evident in his famous "Gettysburg Address," which underscored the principles of equality and the sacrifices made for the preservation of the Union. The