Civil War History

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Recommended: Political, economic, and social causes of the civil war

THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG: THE BATTLE THAT CHANGED THE CIVIL WAR Niccolaus Hoy History 4490: Senior Seminar in History Professor Zeimet March 27, 2014 The Civil War in American history is one of the most identifiable aspects of this nation’s past and its effects since, have impacted movements long after its end while its evidence is still seen in many parts of the country as cultural tradition. The historical events that took place before, during and after the war display an array of political and societal views ranging across the spectrum on the issues of restoring the Union, preserving states’ rights, and the controversial matter of slavery caught somewhere in the middle. The U.S. was in a progressive movement with the North speeding ahead of the South in industrialization while the South led the world in cotton exports and agricultural background. The South relied heavily on the forced labor of slaves and were reluctant to change; and perhaps they indeed held the right not to change; however the South was unwilling to adhere to northern ideals in the right of property (slaves). In the other hand, radicalism swept the North and reformers sought to defend the right of all man in the abolitionist effort; both North and South can be argued as morally right in their own minds, but the winner of this crucial battle sets the stage for the inevitable end. After Gettysburg the North claimed victory, and the help from Grant at Vicksburg took the stronghold in the West, both combined put Lee on the road to no return and was unable to bounce back from such a devastating loss. Even though the war continued for another two years after Gettysburg, the following paragraphs will break down the Battle at Gettysburg and ... ... middle of paper ... ...critical turning point of the war and put the Union Army on the offensive for the first time and it was Gettysburg that had the most prolific effect on the outcome of the Nation. Some historians describe Gettysburg as an important moment during the Civil War but are reluctant to say it is significant. Historian Thomas Goss believes the Battle of Gettysburg to not meet the criteria that classifies a battle as significant. Goss stated that in order for a battle to be identified as a significant battle it must be grouped into one of three categories and uses Carl von Clausewitz as . First, a battle must achieve its operational objectives. Second, a battle must end the conflict by achieving one side’s strategic objective. Lastly, battles that directly end the conflict and result in peace between the two armies can be significant. Bibliography

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