What makes something a turning point?

Can you think of any events in history that are considered turning points?

Turning Points in History The election of Abraham Lincoln 9/11 terrorist attacks The Louisiana Purchase The invention of the automobile U.S. dropping the atomic bomb Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941

Battle of Vicksburg Date: June – Early July 1863 Location: Vicksburg, Mississippi Outcome: General Ulysses S. Grant lead the Union to Victory

The Battle of Vicksburg The Union had already captured New Orleans and Memphis Confederates bravely defended Vicksburg Grant devises a brilliant plan He launched a surprise attack on Jackson, MS He then turned west and attacked Vicksburg

Battle of Vicksburg Importance: – The Union now controlled the entire Mississippi River – The Confederacy was now cut into two parts

Battle of Gettysburg Date: July 1, 1863 – July 3, 1863 Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Outcome: General George C. Meade lead the Union Victory

Battle of Gettysburg Confederate General Robert E. Lee advanced into Pennsylvania He hoped to take the “Yankees” by surprise then march to capture Washington, D.C. On June 30 th Meade met Lee’s army at Gettysburg

Day One July 1, 1863 Confederate forces drove the Union forces out of Gettysburg The Union then took a strong hold on Cemetery Ridge, overlooking the town.

Day Two July 2, 1863 Lee attacks both ends of the Union line The Union was well prepared for Lee’s offensive Long day of savage fighting Suffering heavy casualties, Lee was unable to dislodge the Union army

Day Three July 3, 1863 Despite losses, Lee decides to attack again Lee orders General George Pickett to lead 15,000 men to charge Union lines Pickett’s men would have to march 1,000 yards across open land Known as Pickett’s Charge Pickett’s Charge was a failure

Battle of Gettysburg – Turning Point Importance: – 50,000 dead or wounded – Lee and his Confederate troops never invaded the North again – Seemed as though it was just a matter of time before the Confederacy would fall