Which battle is considered a turning point in the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, is widely regarded as a turning point in the Civil War for several significant reasons. It marked the largest battle ever fought in North America and resulted in a decisive victory for the Union forces under General George G. Meade against Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia.

One of the core reasons this battle is deemed a turning point is that it halted Lee's invasion of the North, which aimed to gain a significant victory on Union soil that could sway public opinion in favor of the Confederacy and potentially encourage European powers to recognize the Confederacy. After Gettysburg, the Confederate army was forced to retreat back to Virginia, diminishing their momentum and morale.

Additionally, the battles that followed, particularly the Union's victory at Vicksburg, further compromised the Confederate's strategic position. The Union gained control of the Mississippi River after Vicksburg, effectively splitting the Confederacy and crippling its supply lines.

While the Battle of Antietam is also significant as it provided a Union victory and led to the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, it did not have the same immediate strategic impact on the overall course of the war as