Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg is considered unique because it was one of the few battles that took place in the North. After fighting many battles in the South, the commander of the Confederate Army, Robert E. Lee, felt that defeating the North in their home would end the war. As a result of their small army and lack of supplies, Lee and his Confederate Army were proved wrong when the battle ended in a victory for the Union.
In June 1863, Robert's troops made their way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Not allowing the Confederate Army much time to recover and strategize, the Union army's new general was quickly on their tail with his troops. The first firings startled Confederate soldiers as they searched the town for shoes. As soon as the first small group began firing shots, several other members of both sides joined the fight. Even though the Confederate managed to get the Union to retreat by the end of the day, they were not prepared for the thousands of casualties they would suffer the following day.
When arriving to battle the next day, the South was largely outnumbered by more than 10,000 troops. The two sides set up bases barely a mile apart, with the North behind a hill and the South on Seminary Ridge. This location allowed the South to fight from both sides of the Union's set up. This close range battle and war tactics of the day caused many injuries/deaths for both side of the war. Though they suffered many harsh attacks from Lee and his army, the North managed to defend their ground.
In total, the Confederate lost around a third of their troops that had entered battle due to the many casualties. Lee felt defeated, disappointed, and guilty for the losses as he traveled back to the South. Another victory like this allowed the North to gain the determination and confidence they needed, while the South, who were running low on both men and supplies unlike the Union, was discouraged losing support.
It was later that year that Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address on the exact field. In November 1863, close to 15,000 people assembled to hear Lincoln speak. At this time, Lincoln honored the many soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the Union. He also talked about the intent of the war. The Gettysburg National Cemetery for Soldiers was also dedicated at this time.
In June 1863, Robert's troops made their way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Not allowing the Confederate Army much time to recover and strategize, the Union army's new general was quickly on their tail with his troops. The first firings startled Confederate soldiers as they searched the town for shoes. As soon as the first small group began firing shots, several other members of both sides joined the fight. Even though the Confederate managed to get the Union to retreat by the end of the day, they were not prepared for the thousands of casualties they would suffer the following day.
When arriving to battle the next day, the South was largely outnumbered by more than 10,000 troops. The two sides set up bases barely a mile apart, with the North behind a hill and the South on Seminary Ridge. This location allowed the South to fight from both sides of the Union's set up. This close range battle and war tactics of the day caused many injuries/deaths for both side of the war. Though they suffered many harsh attacks from Lee and his army, the North managed to defend their ground.
In total, the Confederate lost around a third of their troops that had entered battle due to the many casualties. Lee felt defeated, disappointed, and guilty for the losses as he traveled back to the South. Another victory like this allowed the North to gain the determination and confidence they needed, while the South, who were running low on both men and supplies unlike the Union, was discouraged losing support.
It was later that year that Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address on the exact field. In November 1863, close to 15,000 people assembled to hear Lincoln speak. At this time, Lincoln honored the many soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the Union. He also talked about the intent of the war. The Gettysburg National Cemetery for Soldiers was also dedicated at this time.