Final answer:
The Gettysburg Address was a turning point as it redefined the Civil War's purpose, highlighting the ideals of freedom and democracy. Women and African Americans played vital roles in the war effort.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gettysburg Address marked a significant turning point in the Civil War by redefining the war's purpose. Addressing the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a short but powerful speech that transformed the Union's perspective on the war. The Union supporters began to see the war not just as a fight to preserve the Union, but as a struggle for broader ideals of freedom and equality.
This address encapsulated the notion of a 'new birth of freedom,' suggesting that the sacrifices of those who died at Gettysburg would lead to a stronger and more democratic nation. As Lincoln poignantly stated, the nation should ensure that government 'of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'
During the war, women and African Americans played critical roles. Women provided support on the home front and as nurses, while African American soldiers and laborers significantly contributed to the Union's victory. These groups were essential to the war effort, and their involvement would have lasting implications for the fight for equality and civil rights in America.
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Reconstruction policies, including the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, sought to rebuild the South and integrate freed slaves into society. The Reconstruction era faced significant challenges and ultimately left many goals unmet, sparking a long struggle for civil rights that would continue well into the 20th century.