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July 1-3, 1863

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In the summer of 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee decided to launch his second invasion of the Northern states. He felt that he had a greater chance of defeating the Union army on Northern soil due to the recent Confederate victories. He hoped this victory would force the Lincoln administration to negotiate for peace. He also wanted to take the war out of the ravaged Virginia farmland and gather supplies for his army. He used he Shenandoah Valley as cover for his army as they were pursued by the Union generals. He reached the Susquehanna River on June 29th. Both forces collided at a town known as Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on July 1st. The Confederates managed to sweep the Union from the West and North of the town, but couldn't secure Cemetery Hill and Culp’s Hill to the south. The next day, after reinforcements came, Lee tried to completely take down the Union army, but failed. On July 3rd, he tried again and failed. Both sides suffered heavy casualties.

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This battle turned the tide in favor of the Union army. 51,000 soldiers from both armies were either killed, wounded, captured, or missing. It forced the Confederate army to retreat and, after that, they were never able to recover.

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1b9luG8QPZJEEBB9yCgBzt-l9QdOX_CgnLQaogBZ1Re4/edit?usp=sharing