After a series of losses early in the war, Union troops turned the tide by winning an important battle at__.
A. Bull Run
B. Fort Sumter
C. Richmond
D. Antietam
To find the answer to this question, we need to look for the battle where Union troops turned the tide of the war with a significant victory. By process of elimination, we can rule out options B (Fort Sumter) and C (Richmond) because neither of these battles led to a major turning point in the war.
The Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, took place in July 1861 and was one of the early battles of the Civil War. It actually ended in a Confederate victory and was not the battle that turned the tide for the Union.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. Antietam. The Battle of Antietam, which occurred in September 1862, was a crucial turning point in the war. It was the first major battle fought on Union soil, and although it was technically a draw in terms of casualties, it was considered a Union victory because Confederate General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North was halted. This battle boosted Union morale and gave President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the nature of the war by making it a fight against slavery.
In conclusion, Union troops turned the tide of the war by winning an important battle at Antietam.