Why was the Battle of Gettysburg an important turning point in the US Civil War?

Answer 1

The Battle of Gettysburg is considered a major tuning point due to the fact that Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was so badly damaged. Lee could not recoup his losses in men and materiel and therefore he could never again initiate offensive operations north of the Potomac River. The defeat preceded the fall of Vicksburg by one day and the combination of the two forced the Confederate armies to go into defensive operations.

Answer 2

The Union pushed the Southern armies back into Virginia. This, however, did not cause the Army of Northern Virginia to be destroyed. It remained a fighting force that needed to be defeated. Most military historians do not conclude the Battle of Gettysburg to be a turning point. After the loss of Vicksburg and the loss at Gettysburg, the end of 1863, displayed no end in sight for either side in this momentous war.

Answer 3

There are many opinions concerning the question of a so-called turning point in the US Civil War. With the advantage of 20-20 hindsight, the Battle of Gettysburg was not an important turning point although it was an important battle. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia retreated back to Virginia and would live to fight again.One seldom seem item of importance was this; A Confederate army, smaller than the Union force sent against it, fought a battle faraway from its home base, lost the battle but managed to escape to fight another day. Also, of importance was the the Commander in Chief, President Lincoln was distressed over the performance of General George Meade, who did his best to make Gettysburg a better victory. For his trouble he was roundly admonished by his president. And, Meade had just recently replaced the last commander of the Army of the Potomac, Joseph Hooker. Hooker also disappointed President Lincoln.

Answer 4

Gettysburg destroyed Lee's ability to carry out an offensive in the North. Vicksburg choked off the South's ability to move troops and supplies on the Mississippi.

Answer 5

Lee lost the ability to lead an offensive in enemy territory.