THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG: THE BATTLE THAT CHANGED THE CIVIL WARNicolas HoyHistory 4490: Senior Seminar in HistoryProfessor ZeimetMarch 27, 2014The Civil War in American history is one of the most identifiable elements of this nation's past and its effects since then have impacted movements long after its end, while its evidence is still considered in many parts of the country as a cultural tradition. The historical events that took place before, during, and after the war reveal a range of political and societal opinions on all sides on the issues of restoring the Union, preserving states' rights, and on the controversial question of slavery, caught somewhere in between. The United States was in a progressive movement, with the North leading the South in industrialization, while the South led the world in cotton exports and agricultural development. The South relied heavily on forced slave labor and was reluctant to change; and perhaps they actually had the right not to change; however, the South was unwilling to adhere to the North's ideals of property rights (slaves). On the other hand, radicalism swept the North and reformers sought to defend the rights of all men in the abolitionist effort; Both the North and the South can be considered morally righteous, but the winner of this crucial battle sets the stage for an inevitable end. After Gettysburg, the North claimed victory and Grant's aid at Vicksburg took the West's stronghold, the two combined put Lee on the path of no return and was unable to rebound from a loss so devastating. Even though the war continued for two more years after Gettysburg, the following paragraphs will detail the Battle of Gettysburg and...... middle of paper ...... critical turning point in the war and put the Army of the Union in danger. 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 in the Civil War but are reluctant to call it significant. Historian Thomas Goss believes that the Battle of Gettysburg does not meet the criteria for calling a battle important. Goss stated that 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 a party's strategic objective. Finally, battles that directly end the conflict and result in peace between the two armies can be significant.Bibliography