Which battle is known as the turning point of the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg is recognized as the turning point of the Civil War due to its significant impact on the momentum of the conflict. Taking place from July 1 to July 3, 1863, it was one of the largest battles fought on American soil and ended with a decisive victory for the Union forces under General George Meade.

This battle marked the furthest advance of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia into Union territory. Following Gettysburg, Lee's army was forced to retreat back to Virginia, and they were never able to mount another offensive on the same scale. Additionally, the Union victory at Gettysburg galvanized Northern morale and reinforced support for the war effort, while the Confederate defeat diminished hope for foreign recognition and aid.

The aftermath of the battle also set the stage for future Union victories, demonstrating that the Confederate army could be defeated in a large-scale engagement. The victory at Gettysburg, coinciding with the fall of Vicksburg on July 4, further illustrated a shift in the war's momentum toward the Union, making it a pivotal moment in the overall course of the Civil War.