The Battle of Gettysburg was an [American] Civil War battle that was fought between Union and Confederate forces on July 1, 2, and 3 in 1863. While you most likely know quite a lot about this battle, it remains fitting to include it, seeing that it was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War, with a total of 7,863 killed, 27,224 wounded, and 11,199 missing or captured. After winning the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia, Confederate general Robert Edward Lee lead over 70,000 of his troops to invade the North. In high spirits, General Lee was convinced the North was theirs. However, this was not to be. Colliding on July 1, Union Major General Joseph Hooker, with a force of nearly 94,000 men, and General Robert Lee two army's met, and, sure of a win, Lee urged his men on in an effort to destroy the Union Army and ultimately win the War. Soon reinforced by two corps of infantry (a corp is a military body), the Union gained the upper hand. But wait, there more! Two large corps of the Confederate army collapsed the new Union infantry. By this time, most men were most likely fighting not knowing who was winning. On July 2, 1863, both armys had assembled. Lee majorly wounded the Union, and, despite major losses, the Union troops held their ground. On the third day of battle, the Confederates made a reckless move. 12,500 Confederate soldiers charged at the center of the Union line. This charge was known as Pickett's Charge. The result was a Union rifle and artillery (cannon) fire and heavy losses on the Confederacy's part. General Lee lead his battle-weary forces of roughly 48,000 men in a retreat back to Virginia. The Union reaction to the news?
Of course, following the battle was the Gettysburg Address, but come on already, this is Northeast BATTLES!