Gettsyburg Campaign

1.

Battle of Chancellorsville

(May 1–4, 1863)

Leaders:

Key Events:

  • Jackson executed a surprise flank attack (May 2)

  • Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops

  • Died on May 10

Outcome:

  • Confederate victory

  • BUT loss of Jackson weakened Lee’s army

🗺 2. Gettysburg Campaign

  • After Chancellorsville, Lee:

    • Invaded the North (Pennsylvania)

    • Hoped to:

      • Win a decisive victory

      • Gain foreign support

      • Pressure the Union politically

Union Leader:

📍 3.

Battle of Gettysburg

(July 1–3, 1863)

📅 Day 1 (July 1)

  • Confederates push Union forces back

  • Union retreats to strong defensive positions south of town

📅 Day 2 (July 2)

Key Leaders:

Major Fighting Areas:

  • Peach Orchard

  • Wheatfield

  • Devil’s Den

  • Little Round Top

Key Point:

  • Union holds defensive ground despite heavy fighting

📅 Day 3 (July 3)

🔥 Pickett’s Charge:

  • Led by Confederate General George Pickett

  • Massive frontal assault on Union center

Outcome:

  • Complete failure

  • Heavy Confederate losses

🧠 Key Takeaways (Gettysburg)

  • Turning point of the Civil War

  • Ended Lee’s invasion of the North

  • Confederate army forced to retreat

  • Combined with Vicksburg, marked a shift toward Union victory

🧾 Quick Study Summary

Naval War:

  • Blockade = economic warfare

  • Ironclads = technological revolution

  • Key victories weakened Confederacy

Gettysburg:

  • 3-day battle with major casualties

  • Defensive advantage for Union

  • Pickett’s Charge = decisive failure

  • Turning point in the war