What was the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, is often regarded as a turning point in the American Civil War. Its significance lies primarily in its impact on the Confederacy’s military fortunes. After this battle, the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, suffered a devastating defeat against the Union forces under General George G. Meade. This defeat halted Lee's invasion of the North and marked a crucial shift in momentum toward the Union.

Following Gettysburg, Confederate forces were increasingly put on the defensive. The losses incurred at Gettysburg—both in terms of manpower and morale—were significant. The Union emerged more unified and motivated, while the Confederacy began to face growing challenges, including resource shortages and dwindling troop numbers. In the broader context of the Civil War, this battle set the stage for eventual Union victories in subsequent campaigns and is often seen as foreshadowing the Confederacy's decline.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the significance of the battle. While Gettysburg did not end the Civil War swiftly, it certainly influenced its trajectory towards a Union victory. It was not the first battle of the Civil War, as many earlier confrontations had already taken place, and