Final answer:
The critical battles of the Civil War were Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and Chickamauga. These battles had significant outcomes that impacted the overall war, as they were important for both the North and South.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three Critical Battles of the Civil War:
Vicksburg: This battle, which took place in 1863, resulted in a Union victory and marked a turning point in the war. The Union army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, successfully laid siege to the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The victory at Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, effectively cutting the Confederacy in half.
Gettysburg: Fought also in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and a major turning point in favor of the Union. The Union army, commanded by General George Meade, successfully repelled General Robert E. Lee's Confederate forces, preventing their invasion of the North. The Confederate defeat at Gettysburg weakened their morale and ability to launch further offensives.
Chickamauga: This battle, fought in 1863 in Tennessee, was a tactical victory for the Confederates. However, the aftermath of the battle allowed the Union army, commanded by General William T. Sherman, to regroup and eventually launch a successful campaign to capture Atlanta. The fall of Atlanta in 1864 was a major blow to the Confederacy and boosted Union morale.
These battles were critical for both the North and South because they had significant impacts on the overall outcome of the war. The Union victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg dealt severe blows to the Confederacy's military capabilities and morale, while the Confederate victory at Chickamauga delayed the Union's advance but ultimately contributed to their defeat in the long run.