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Gettysburg

Definition

Gettysburg was a significant battle during the American Civil War that took place in July 1863. It is often considered the war's turning point, with the Union Army under General George Meade defeating Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee.

Analogy

Think of Gettysburg as a major football game where both teams have been neck and neck all season, but this particular match determines who will likely win the championship. The Union team (North) won this crucial game against the Confederates (South), shifting momentum in their favor.

Related terms

Battle of Antietam: This was another critical battle in the Civil War, fought on September 17, 1862. It remains the single bloodiest day in American military history.

Robert E. Lee: He was a top graduate of West Point and an exceptional officer and military engineer in the U.S Army for 32 years before resigning to join the Confederate cause.

George Meade: A career United States Army officer and civil engineer involved in coastal construction, he served as a Union general during the Civil War.