What battle is often referred to as the turning point of the Civil War?

The Battle of Gettysburg is widely recognized as the turning point of the Civil War due to its significant impact on the momentum of both the Union and Confederate forces. Fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, Gettysburg marked the largest battle ever fought in North America and resulted in a substantial defeat for the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee.

This loss halted Lee’s invasion of the North and forced him to retreat back to Virginia, effectively ending the Confederates' offensive capabilities. The Union victory at Gettysburg, alongside the fall of Vicksburg shortly thereafter, shifted the balance of power in favor of the Union. The high casualties suffered by the Confederates significantly weakened their ability to wage war moving forward and bolstered Northern resolve.

The other battles listed, while important, did not have such a decisive effect on the overall trajectory of the war. The Battle of Bull Run was an early indication that the war would not be a quick affair, the Battle of Shiloh highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict early in 1862, and the Battle of Antietam is noted for being the bloodiest single day in American history, but it did not lead to a strategic shift in the same profound