Civil War Battles
Ellie Hart
Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam was the single deadliest day in the Civil War. During the battle, General Robert E. Lee split is army into four parts, and came from different sides to confuse General McClellan. Lee goes on offense but his strategy failed. The Battle of Antietam was a key victory for the Union. After this battle, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves.
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was the deadliest battle in the Civil War. The Confederacy suffered 28,000 casualties, while the Union suffered 23,000 casualties. During the battle, southern generals tried to drive Union forces from the hills, but the Union forces held their positions. This battle ended the Confederates' hopes of gaining help and support from Great Britain and France. After the battle, Lee wanted to resign, but Jefferson Davis (President of the Confederacy) wouldn't let him. This battle was another key victory for the Union. In November of 1863, Lincoln gave one of the most famous speeches in history, the Gettysburg Address. In the speech he invoked the principles of human equality, as well as the important preservation of the Union.
Battle of Vicksburg
The Battle of Vicksburg was an important victory for the Union, because it turned the tide of the war, in favor of the Union. General Grant marched his troops down the western half of the Mississippi River, so they could attack from the South. As a result of this battle, the Union would gain control of the Mississippi River, and would split the Confederacy in two, cutting off Richmond from the western part of the Confederacy. After this battle, the city of Vicksburg would not celebrate the 4th of July, until the mid-1900's.