The historical significance of the Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, was profound in the context of the American Civil War. It marked a turning point in the conflict, as Union forces under General George Meade defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army. This battle resulted in heavy casualties, with approximately 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing, and it halted Lee's invasion of the North. The Union victory bolstered Northern morale and is often cited as a pivotal moment that shifted the war's momentum in favor of the Union, ultimately influencing the course of American history and leading to the eventual abolition of slavery.