What does the phrase "high tide for South" refer to in the context of the Civil War?

The phrase "high tide for South" refers specifically to the peak of Southern military success during the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. This battle was significant as it represented the furthest advance of the Confederate Army into the North under General Robert E. Lee. Although the Confederates had several victories earlier in the war, Gettysburg marked a turning point; after this battle, the Southern forces began a slow and steady decline in both morale and military effectiveness.

Contextually, the phrase captures a moment where the Confederacy seemed on the verge of achieving its goals, with high hopes for potential victories and a possible path to securing independence. However, the aftermath of Gettysburg, coupled with other key battles and strategic losses afterward, underscored that this was indeed the high point for the South rather than a prelude to enduring success. The other options reflect ideas that either do not encapsulate the height of military success or pertain to the overall context of the war rather than a specific peak moment.