What could be considered the key turning points during the US Civil War?

Answer 1

There were no turning points in the US Civil War. So-called large battles like Gettysburg are often used as examples, however, since Lee's retreated and did not surrender, there was no turning point. The beginning of the end was when the Siege of Petersburg prevailed and Richmond was evacuated.

Answer 2

The so-called turning points in the US Civil War have been debated for years. There is no "set" of turning points all the expert military and US History historians can agree on. Clearly novice readers of the events in the US Civil War have even more of a disadvantage. With that said, it is important to note that in the early Summer of 1864, US President Lincoln was unsure if his own party would re-nominate him for the 1864 presidential elections. If Lincoln believed the turning point had already been reached, then he and the Republican Party would have no doubts concerning the November 1864 elections.

The one event that helped Lincoln be reelected was the capture of Atlanta in September of 1864. Even then there was no certainty about the outcome. If there was, then President Lincoln would have offered the South an unconditional surrender. Even if Jefferson Davis had rejected it, then Lincoln could claim that lives lost after his surrender offering would be the fault of the Confederate government.