George G. Meade was a Union general during the American Civil War, best known for his leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Born on December 31, 1815, in Cádiz, Spain, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1835. Meade played a crucial role in the Union's victory, which marked a turning point in the war. After Gettysburg, Meade continued to command the Army of the Potomac, engaging in several campaigns against Confederate forces. He served in various military roles until his retirement in 1884, leaving a legacy as a skilled strategist and leader in American military history.