Which battle is often considered the turning point of the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg is widely regarded as the turning point of the Civil War due to its significant military and psychological implications for both the Union and the Confederacy. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, it marked the high tide of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. The Union Army, led by General George Meade, successfully repelled Lee's forces, resulting in heavy Confederate casualties and marking a shift in momentum toward the Union.

This battle is crucial because it ended Lee's attempt to conquer northern territory and bolstered Union morale, which had been waning after a series of setbacks. The defeat at Gettysburg was not only a blow to the Confederate army's numerical strength but also had a profound impact on the overall strategy of the war, leading to a more aggressive Union offensive in subsequent campaigns.

Additionally, the victory at Gettysburg, coupled with the fall of Vicksburg shortly thereafter, effectively placed the Confederacy on the defensive for the remainder of the conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the Civil War.