What battle is considered the turning point of the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg is deemed the turning point of the Civil War due to its significant military and psychological impact on both the Union and Confederate forces. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, Gettysburg marked the largest battle ever fought in North America and resulted in a decisive victory for the Union.

The defeat at Gettysburg halted General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North and led to significant Confederate losses, both in terms of troops and morale. This battle shifted the momentum in favor of the Union, revitalizing their efforts in the war. Following Gettysburg, the Confederate army remained on the defensive, while the Union forces began to take the initiative in subsequent campaigns.

While battles such as Antietam and Shiloh were important, they did not have the same level of impact on the overall course of the war as Gettysburg. The outcome at Fort Sumter, while the start of the conflict, occurred before key strategies and battles unfolded. In contrast, Gettysburg became a symbol of Union resilience and paved the way for the eventual victory of the North.