The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was a turning point in the American Civil War. The battle is considered to be the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought in North America, with over 51,000 casualties.
There were several decisive events that occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg that ultimately led to the Union victory:
1. General Robert E. Lee's decision to attack the Union center on July 3, 1863.
After two days of fighting, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia had failed to break the Union Army's lines. On July 3, Lee decided to launch a massive frontal assault against the Union center, known as Pickett's Charge. This charge involved over 15,000 Confederate soldiers who advanced across open ground under heavy Union fire. The charge was unsuccessful, and the Confederates suffered heavy losses.
2. The arrival of Union reinforcements on July 2, 1863.
On July 2, the Union II Corps, under the command of Major General Winfield S. Hancock, arrived on the battlefield. This fresh corps helped to bolster the Union lines and repel the Confederate attacks.
3. The leadership of Union General George G. Meade.
Meade took command of the Union Army shortly before the Battle of Gettysburg. He proved to be a capable and decisive leader, and he made several key decisions that contributed to the Union victory.
4. The performance of the Union artillery at Gettysburg.
The Union artillery played a crucial role in the battle. The Union guns were able to inflict heavy casualties on the Confederate infantry and cavalry, and they also helped to break up Confederate attacks.
5. The failure of the Confederate cavalry to exploit their success at Gettysburg.
The Confederate cavalry, under the command of Major General J.E.B. Stuart, was largely ineffective at Gettysburg. Stuart failed to disrupt the Union supply lines or provide effective reconnaissance for Lee's army.
These five events were critical to the Union victory at Gettysburg. Without these events, the Confederates may have been able to win the battle and change the course of the war.