Turning point of the American Civil War

There is widespread disagreement among historians about the turning point of the American Civil War. A turning point in this context is an event that occurred during the conflict after which most modern scholars would agree that the eventual outcome was inevitable. The near simultaneous Battle of Gettysburg in the east and fall of Vicksburg in the west, in July 1863 is widely cited as the military climax of the American Civil War. Several other decisive battles and events throughout the war have been proposed as turning points. The events are presented here in chronological order with only the positive arguments for each given.

The list includes battle victories by the military forces of the Confederate States in the first few months after the April 1861 commencement of the war, which instigated changes in the plans and resources of the armed forces of the Union, eventually contributing to the Confederacy signing the articles of surrender in April 1865.