Civil War battles were significant military confrontations fought between the Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Key battles included Gettysburg, Antietam, and Shiloh, each marked by strategic maneuvers and high casualties. These battles often determined control over territories and resources, influencing the war's outcome. The battles were characterized by various tactics, including traditional formations and the use of new technologies like rifled muskets and artillery. The outcomes of these confrontations shaped the course of the war, ultimately leading to the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery in the United States.