The Prelude to the Battle of Gettysburg
The weeks leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg were marked by military strategic moves and political tension. Confederate General Robert E. Lee devised a plan to invade the North, believing it would demoralize the Union and force a quick end to the war. Viewing this as an opportunity, Lee gathered approximately 75,000 soldiers from his Army of Northern Virginia and commenced his second invasion of the North.
Simultaneously, the Union, under the leadership of General Joseph Hooker, was also gearing up for battle. However, due to a disagreement with President Abraham Lincoln regarding the Union’s defensive plan, Hooker resigned. This left the Army of the Potomac without a leader until Lincoln appointed General George Meade, only days before the conflict ensued. Despite the sudden change, Meade quickly mobilized his forces, totaling about 90,000 soldiers.
As both armies moved towards Pennsylvania, the strategic significance of Gettysburg became clear. While it was a small market town, its numerous roads served as crucial transportation routes, making it a valuable point of control. Hence, it became the selected ground for one of the most significant battles in American history.
Ultimately, though they may not have realized it at the time, this prelude set the stage for Lee and Meade’s armies to encounter each other in Gettysburg. Each side had made thoughtful, calculated decisions that would soon influence the course of the American Civil War. In retrospect, this lead up to the conflict was the calm before the storm, a stark contrast to the three days of carnage that was to follow.
Day One: The Initial Skirmishes
The Battle of Gettysburg began early on July 1st, 1863. Confederate Brigadier General Henry Heth initiated the first contact, believing the area was lightly held. Disregarding his senior commander’s instructions, Heth advanced his division into Gettysburg, colliding with Union cavalry, led by Brigadier General John Buford.
Buford, realizing the strategic importance of the high ground, managed to hold off the Confederates for a while. However, Buford’s troops were vastly outnumbered by the Confederates. Ultimately, they were driven back into the town. Major General John Reynolds of the Union Army arrived in time to provide reinforcements, but was tragically killed in the ensuing conflict.
The battle intensified as more troops from both sides entered the fray. Yet, despite the city being under significant fire, the Union managed to hold onto some parts of the town. The fighting continued until late evening, culminating in a substantial Confederate victory on the first day. However, the Union troops had successfully delayed the Confederate advance long enough to establish fortified positions on Cemetery Hill, signaling the start of the second day’s conflict.
The first day of Battle saw an array of fierce engagements on both sides. Even though the Confederates managed to push the Union forces back into Gettysburg, the strategic defenses set by the latter would serve crucial to the coming days of conflict.
The Turning Point: Day Two of the Battle
The turning point of the Battle of Gettysburg transpired on day two, July 2, 1863. Aggressive move came to a halt, as Union forces managed to fend off Confederate attacks. General Lee made a crucial decision to attack both flanks of the Union—they planned to provoke their opponent into dividing their forces. However, it didn’t go as planned. Union’s command structure was virtually intact and competent leaders made all the difference.
Early morning, the Confederates started their attack towards the Union’s left flank. Culminating in the struggle over Little Round Top, Union regiments like the 20th Maine held firm against Confederate charges. Despite a relentless attack, the Confederates did not manage to penetrate the Union line. Meanwhile, the assaults against the Union’s right flank on Cemetery Hill and Culp’s Hill were equally fruitless. Even while they fought ferociously, the Confederates met reinforced Union troops and failed to acquire their goal.
Actions from both sides on this day were marked by intense combat. Union companies such as the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry distinguished themselves, taking huge casualties but playing a key role in preventing Confederate breakthrough. Confederate troops fought with equal determination, but the Union’s defensive line held strong. The unsuccessful attacks on this day highlighted the Confederacy’s escalating problems and foreshadowed their defeat on the third day. This life-or-death struggle on the second day of battle was the turning point of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Day Three: Pickett’s Charge and Union Triumph
As the sun rose on July 3, 1863, the third day of battle commenced at Gettysburg. The Confederate forces, led by Generals Lee and Pickett, had a new strategy. They aimed to break the center of the Union’s line, concentrating their attack on Cemetery Hill.
Notably, this attack was the focal point of the battle. History remembers it as Pickett’s Charge, named after General George Pickett. First, Confederate troops opened with an artillery bombardment aiming to weaken the Union forces. However, the Union artillery held strong, with counterfire causing severe causalities to the Confederates. This resulted in their artillery becoming ineffective.
Meanwhile, General Pickett led about 12,500 infantrymen in a direct assault. Despite their valor, they faced significant resistance. Union soldiers, entrenched behind a stone wall, unleashed a blistering crossfire on the charging Confederates. The high casualty rate combined with the stiff Union resistance caused the Confederate charge to falter. Union forces held their ground, repelling Pickett’s Charge successfully. This act marked a turning point in the battle, as the Confederates had exhausted much of their resources. By the evening, it was clear that the Union had triumphed.
The Battle of Gettysburg concluded with the Union’s victory on its third day. General Lee accepted the defeat, and the Confederate forces began their retreat the next day. The damage inflicted, coupled with the Union’s success on the battlefield, made this one of the seminal moments of the Civil War. Ultimately, the Battle of Gettysburg represented a significant win for the Union, shifting the tide of the war in their favor.
Aftermath and Historical Significance of the Battle
The repercussions of the Battle of Gettysburg were enormous. The Confederates suffered a marked loss of morale and the defeat effectively crippled their offensive capabilities. A surprisingly brutal affair, the battle resulted in approximately 23,000 casualties for the Union and over 28,000 for the Confederacy. The high death toll indicated the raw intensity of the fighting, forcing both sides to recognize the harrowing reality of the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Union emerged with a renewed sense of confidence. Robert E. Lee’s hitherto invincible army had been vanquished. The victory at Gettysburg became a turning point in the Civil War, signaling the shift in favor of the Union. Furthermore, President Lincoln used this opportunity to underline the purpose of the conflict in his legendary Gettysburg Address, reinforcing the fight for freedom and equality.
Historically, the Battle of Gettysburg holds a lasting place in American memory. Seen as a saving grace for the Union, the aftermath reaffirmed the Union’s strength and resilience. However, the considerable loss of life also illustrated the cost of achieving that victory. This, in turn, underscored the human expense of the quest for unity and freedom in the country.
The legacy of this battle extends beyond military history. It transformed Gettysburg from a non-descript rural town into a symbol of national spirit and sacrifice. That’s why, to this day, the site acts as an enduring reminder of the country’s tumultuous past and the steep price of liberty.