The Battle of Gettysburg was fought during the third summer of the war, and definitely proved to be a vital turning point. Although the war lasted until 1865, the Battle of Gettysburg helped decide the overall outcome of the war. The Battle of Gettysburg prompted President Abraham Lincoln to give his now famous Gettysburg Address. This speech, combined with the outcome of the Civil War, eventually led to the ratification of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. …showed first 75 words of 1679 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1679 total…achieved. Jackson had ordered Longstreet to organise the army with the intention of following the Union hordes into Washington. Lee was attempting to advise caution but Jackson smelled blood and would not be swayed. By midday the Army of Northern Virginia was ready to march on Washington, Jackson in his battered faray cap and threadbare uniform looking like any of his ragtag, starving, weary army at their head began the march on the Federal Capital.