Question

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought on July \(1-3,1863\), by the Union and Confederate forces, resulting in the largest number of casualties of the war. Which of the following correctly describes how the battle ended? (A) The battle ended when the Confederate armies defeated the Union armies. (B) The battle ended when the Union armies defeated the Confederate armies. (C) The battle ended after both sides completely wiped each other out and there was no one left to fight. (D) The battle ended in a stalemate.

Short answer

The battle ended when the Union armies defeated the Confederate armies (Option B).

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option (A)

The battle ended when the Confederate armies defeated the Union armies. This statement is not accurate. The Confederate forces, led by General Robert E. Lee, were not victorious in this battle. We can eliminate option (A).

Evaluate Option (B)

The battle ended when the Union armies defeated the Confederate armies. This statement is correct. The Union forces, led by General George G. Meade, emerged victorious in this battle, forcing the Confederate army to retreat. Option (B) is the correct answer.

Evaluate Option (C)

The battle ended after both sides completely wiped each other out and there was no one left to fight. This statement is not accurate. Although the Battle of Gettysburg had significant casualties on both sides, it did not result in both armies being wiped out. We can eliminate option (C).

Evaluate Option (D)

The battle ended in a stalemate. This statement is not accurate. The Battle of Gettysburg was decisive, not a stalemate. We can eliminate option (D).

Conclusion

The correct answer to the question is Option (B): The battle ended when the Union armies defeated the Confederate armies.

Key concepts

Civil War History

The Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal event in Civil War history, marked a turning point in the conflict between the Union and Confederate forces. Fought over the course of three days, from July 1 to July 3, 1863, this battle is often remembered for its high casualty rates and its significant impact on the overall trajectory of the war.

Understanding the context of Gettysburg within the larger scope of the Civil War is crucial for students. The Union, under the leadership of General George G. Meade, clashed with the Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee. The intense battle concluded with a Union victory, which significantly halted the Confederate momentum and impeded their invasion of the North. This outcome also boosted Union morale and strength, leading to further successes culminating in the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy.

Historically, Gettysburg is commemorated not just for the battle itself but also for President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, which redefined the purpose of the war and emphasized the principles of human equality.

GED History Practice

For students preparing for the General Educational Development (GED) test, practicing with questions like those related to the Battle of Gettysburg is essential. The GED history component includes topics from U.S. history, and understanding the Civil War's battles, strategies, and outcomes is a significant part of this subject.

When encountering a multiple-choice question similar to the one about Gettysburg, it's important to approach the answer analytically. Start by eliminating clearly incorrect options. Remember historical facts such as leadership, battle tactics, and consequences, as these details will often lead you to the correct choice. Developing historical thinking skills such as these can aid in deciphering not only direct questions but also in analyzing perspectives and reasoning in primary source documents found in the GED exam.

U.S. History Questions

Questions regarding key events like the Battle of Gettysburg test a student’s comprehension of U.S. history and their ability to apply knowledge to specific scenarios. When confronted with questions about historical battles, recognize that they often have multiple layers—including dates, key figures, military strategies, and political repercussions.

To better internalize such content, consider using timelines or charts to visualize events chronologically, and focus on the cause-and-effect relationships that shaped historical outcomes. Remember, questions on U.S. history not only check for factual knowledge but also for understanding the implications of those facts on the development of the nation. An accurate recollection of such influential battles and their outcomes is vital to succeeding in questions on American history exams.