Describe the military significance of the battles of Gettysburg in the East and Vicksburg in the West.

Gettysburg was fought in northern territory, in Pennsylvania. Encouraged by some previous victories over Union forces, the Army of North Virginia under the command of Gen. Robert E. Lee had invaded the North and its goal was to pressure the government of Abraham Lincoln to negotiate peace. The Battle of Gettysburg went on for three days (July 1-3, 1863). Despite some advances of the first day, the Confederates weren´t able to overrun Federal positions and suffered a crushing defeat. Gettysburg became the bloodiest battle of the Civil War at the time. 165, 620 men engaged in battle on both sides, total casualties of both sides amount to  51, 112. Lee had to withdraw to southern territory and from that moment on, the Confederacy fought on the defensive, never regaining the strategic initiative. That´s the impact of Gettysburg, a turning point in the war.

Vicksburg was a strategic fortress that granted control of the Mississippi River, being the key to penetrate the South. It was a major point with military significance and a neuralgic place for southern trade and the smuggling of weapons to break the Union´s blockade.  Gen. Ulysses Grant, commander of the Union´s Army of the Tennessee, attacked and laid siege to Vicksburg. Grant´s campaign started in April 1863. The siege lasted 47 days. Finally, the Confederate forces of Gen. John C. Pemberton finally surrendered on July 4, 1863. The loss of Vicksburg opened the gates of the South and left it vulnerable to the invasion of the Union armies.

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