The Battle of Gettysburg was the most important battle of the Civil War. The Battle of Gettysburg would become the climactic conclusion for the Confederates fighting in the Civil War. What happened in the three days of this battle has significantly influenced today's society. Thanks to this battle, the Union gained the advantage over the Confederate forces and won the Civil War, which protected the county from collapse and the completion of their ultimate goal. This goal was to preserve the Union. As Abe Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” What would happen if the following events did not occur or were transformed into different outcomes? Would our country be what it is today? Just two days before the Battle of Gettysburg, General Joseph Hooker was relieved of his duties as general of the Army of the Potomac. The first person to have the opportunity to lead the Potomac was Major General John Reynolds, a former instructor at West Point. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 1820 and attended an academy until he decided to pursue a military career like his brother William. He was eventually accepted to West Point and graduated 26th out of 50 students. Although the offer was great, Major Reynolds refused it. The offer then fell to a person named General George Meade who, although inexperienced, would lead the Union Army to victory at Gettysburg. General Meade was born in Philadelphia in December 1815 and graduated from West Point in 1835. He later served two years in the Florida Artillery and later resigned to work as a civil engineer. The first shot of the Battle of Gettysburg rang out three miles northwest of the actual city at the present location of Knoxlyn Rd and US RT.30 Chambersburg...... half of the document....... Of these numbers, approximately 22,815 casualties were calculated for the Union. Of all the soldiers in the Army of Virginia (Confederate) 4,404 were killed, 12,950 wounded, and 5,350 missing. This led to approximately 22,700 Confederate casualties. Of all armies, approximately 45,515 casualties were calculated, providing evidence and numbers to support that the Battle of Gettysburg was the most important and devastating battle of the Civil War. (Hawks, 3) Later after the battle, another Confederate surrender was confirmed at Vicksburg as the Confederates began to retreat from the north. Abraham Lincoln came to Gettysburg to ratify the battlefield as a national cemetery while delivering the Gettysburg Address. This speech was delivered to raise morale when it was most needed to preserve and protect the Union.