AI vs Human - You decide

Gracie Smith
MSMU Class of 2027

(4/2024) Why was the Battle of Gettysburg significant?

Chat GPT’s Response

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, is often regarded as the turning point of the American Civil War, crucial to the Union's eventual victory. Its significance lies in several key aspects that tilted the balance in favor of the Union:

Firstly, strategically, Gettysburg was vital. General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia had been on the offensive, aiming to invade the North and deliver a decisive blow that would demoralize the Union and potentially secure foreign recognition and support for the Confederacy. However, Lee's invasion culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg. The Union's victory at Gettysburg not only halted Lee's advance but also forced him to retreat southward into Virginia. This effectively ended the Confederate invasion of the North and thwarted their hopes for a decisive victory on Northern soil.

Secondly, the Battle of Gettysburg showcased the prowess of the Union Army under the leadership of General George G. Meade. Despite initial setbacks, the Union forces, bolstered by defensive advantages and strategic positioning, managed to repel repeated Confederate assaults. The defense of key positions like Cemetery Hill, Little Round Top, and Culp's Hill demonstrated the Union's resilience and determination, turning what could have been a Confederate victory into a Union triumph.

Thirdly, the high casualties sustained by the Confederate Army at Gettysburg were a severe blow to their military strength. Lee's forces suffered heavy losses, with estimates suggesting around 28,000 Confederate casualties compared to approximately 23,000 Union casualties. The Confederate Army, already facing challenges in terms of manpower and resources, could ill-afford such losses. Conversely, although the Union also suffered significant casualties, its larger population and industrial capacity allowed for more effective replenishment of troops and resources.

Moreover, the Battle of Gettysburg had profound political ramifications. The Union victory at Gettysburg bolstered Northern morale and determination to see the war through to victory. It also dashed any hopes the Confederacy had of securing European recognition and intervention, as foreign powers were less inclined to support a losing cause. President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered months after the battle, further solidified the Union's commitment to the principles of liberty and equality, rallying support for the war effort.

Additionally, Gettysburg marked a shift in the Union's military strategy. Following the battle, Union forces became more aggressive and began to exert greater pressure on the Confederate Army, leading to a series of victories that eventually culminated in the defeat of the Confederacy.

In conclusion, the Battle of Gettysburg was significant to the Union victory in the Civil War due to its strategic importance, the demonstration of Union military prowess, the heavy losses inflicted upon the Confederate Army, its political impact on Northern morale and international relations, and its role in shaping subsequent Union military strategy. This pivotal engagement altered the course of the war and ultimately contributed to the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Gracie’s Response

It’s incredible how three days could change the history of America. Truth be told, the Union was not doing well in terms of victories when the Battle of Gettysburg occurred in the summer of 1863. General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate Army had just won an unexpected victory at Chancellorsville against Major General Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac. The Confederate Army had half the men that the Army of the Potomac had, which makes this Confederate victory at Chancellorsville so significant, and ultimately important to why Gettysburg occurred and is so significant to the Union Army.

Lee, and the rest of the Confederate Army, were on a victory high so to speak after winning such an unforeseen battle. With that being said, Lee acted boldly when he decided to invade Union territory for the first time. This act alone said a lot. By this, I mean it's clear that the Confederates were taking a risk; however, they expected fully to win given that they won last time with such slim odds. During the Confederate invasion of the North, a lot was happening with the Union Army after the defeat at Chancellorsville. The new Major General George Meade, promoted by Abraham Lincoln, became head of the Army of the Potomac just 3 days before the Battle of Gettysburg on June 28th, 1863. The change of Union command was the first strike against the Confederates. Lee, still under the assumption that invading the North would be easy, quickly realized that his army’s efforts would have to be much greater than anticipated given General Meade was the new commander of the Union Army.

On the first day of the battle, the Confederates suffered a major blow when George Bufford’s Calvary claimed the higher ground at Seminary Ridge. Although they did fight for it, General Reynold’s First Corps of the Union Army arrived to reinforce Bufford’s Calvary and take the high ground. This ultimately set up the Union to have better ground for the remainder of the battle, leaving the Confederates at another disadvantage.

The Union’s efforts on the second and third days of the battle helped to further push back the Confederates through their strategic positions that we know as the Union Line. The use of interior lines established a strong enough defense system during that battle that the Confederates could not break, as demonstrated in Pickett’s charge. From these interior lines, the Confederates had to constantly work harder to weaken the Union—which was proven pointless.

From the Confederate’s defeat at Gettysburg, Lee never invaded the North again for the remainder of the war. Furthermore, the morale of the Union Army spiked after defeating the Confederates and leaving them with thousands of casualties. With these two key things, the significance of Gettysburg remains the turning point in the war. In 3 days, the Confederates went from almost winning the war to retreating South in defeat.