Key Facts about the Battle of Gettysburg

• Dates: July 1-3, 1863
• Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• Combatants: Union Army of the Potomac vs. Confederate Army of Northern Virginia
• Commanders: Union - Major General George G. Meade; Confederate - General Robert E. Lee
• Outcome: Union victory

Causes of the Battle

The Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, was looking for a decisive victory on Northern soil to demoralize the Union and gain support from European powers. As a result, Lee decided to invade Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the Union Army, under the command of Major General George G. Meade, pursued Lee's forces, culminating in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Key Events and Strategies

The battle consisted of three main days of fighting:

1. First Day (July 1): The battle began with a clash between Confederate forces under General A.P. Hill and Union forces under General John Buford. The Union troops initially held their ground but were eventually forced to retreat through the town of Gettysburg.
2. Second Day (July 2): The fighting intensified as both sides reinforced their positions. The Union Army held defensive positions on Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top, and other key locations, while the Confederates launched multiple attacks, including the famous assault on the Union's left flank at Little Round Top.
3. Third Day (July 3): The most famous event of the battle occurred on this day with Pickett's Charge. General Lee ordered a massive assault on the center of the Union line at Cemetery Ridge. The charge resulted in heavy casualties for the Confederate forces and is often seen as the turning point of the battle.

Impact and Significance

The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in a significant victory for the Union and is often considered a turning point in the Civil War. The Confederate Army suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat, marking the end of their invasion of the North. The battle also boosted Union morale and demonstrated the resolve of the Northern forces.

Study Guide Questions

1. What were the dates of the Battle of Gettysburg?
2. Where did the battle take place?
3. Who were the main commanders of the Union and Confederate forces?
4. Why was the Battle of Gettysburg considered a turning point in the Civil War?
5. Describe the key events that took place during the three days of fighting at Gettysburg.
6. What was the impact of the Battle of Gettysburg on the outcome of the Civil War?

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