The Battle of Gettysburg stands as one of the most significant events in the American Civil War. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, it marked a turning point in the conflict, shifting momentum firmly in favor of the Union. It was the largest battle ever fought in North America, involving over 160,000 soldiers and resulting in nearly 50,000 casualties. The immense scale of the battle and the high human cost underscore its importance, but Gettysburg's significance goes beyond just the number of lives lost. It was a critical moment in the war, a pivotal clash that ultimately determined the future direction of the United States.

Before Gettysburg, the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, had gained significant victories in the Eastern Theater, including the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was emboldened by these successes and was determined to continue its efforts to win independence for the South. In the spring of 1863, Lee decided to take the fight to the North, hoping that a victory on Union soil would weaken Northern morale, pressure the U.S. government for a peace settlement, and gain international recognition for the Confederacy. His strategy was bold but fraught with risk, as it carried the potential to either decisively break the Union or set the stage for a resounding Confederate defeat.

On the other side, the Union Army, led by Major General George G. Meade, was in a period of transition. Meade had only recently been appointed to command, replacing General Joseph Hooker. The Union Army had been struggling to achieve decisive victories after a series of failures, and morale was low. However, the Union leadership understood that they could not afford another loss to the Confederacy. Gettysburg would become their test—a chance to halt Lee's advance and potentially reverse the tide of the war.