The significance of the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, which occurred from July 1 to July 3, 1863, lies in its status as a turning point in the conflict. It was the largest battle fought on American soil and resulted in a significant defeat for Confederate General Robert E. Lee, marking the high-water mark of the Confederacy. The Union victory ended Lee's invasion of the North and bolstered the morale of Union forces. Furthermore, it led to the Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln, which defined the war’s purpose in terms of liberty and national unity, shaping the future of the nation.