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Gettysburg was the turning point in the American Civil War. It was a battle that would change the future of the Civil War. The stage was set for an immense struggle at Gettysburg after the May 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville. The Battle of Gettysburg was a prolon ....

Middle of Essay
.... by the strategic reconnaissance of Jeb Stuart's cavalry, a role in which he failed dismally in the days and weeks leading up to Gettysburg. Lee decided to take the offensive by invading Pennsylvania via Maryland in an attempt to end the war quickly by threatening the Northern capitol and waging "total war" on the Northern citizens. Unfortunately for Lee, Stuart's joyriding, Stuart delighted in riding complete circles around the Northern armies and hence all of the public recognition and attention, left him blind, without any clue as to the whereabouts, intentions, strengths, or capabilities of the Union Army of the Potomac. Unbeknownst to him, Meade ....