Why did Gettysburg matter so much?

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War. It marked the Union's first significant victory against the Confederacy, halting General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North. The battle resulted in severe casualties for both sides, but it bolstered Northern morale and solidified the Union's resolve to continue fighting. Additionally, Gettysburg set the stage for President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, which redefined the war's purpose and the principles of freedom and equality.