Gettysburg: Animated Battle Map

Summary

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in 1863, was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. Confederate General Robert E. Lee aimed to deliver a decisive blow to the Union by invading Pennsylvania with 75,000 troops. Union General George Meade’s 95,000-man army engaged Lee’s forces in a brutal three-day battle. The Confederates initially gained ground but failed in a critical assault, Pickett’s Charge, on Day 3. The Union’s victory marked a turning point, with heavy casualties on both sides. The battle’s aftermath saw the creation of a National Cemetery, and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address redefined the war’s purpose, emphasizing unity and freedom.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Battle of Gettysburg took place in June 1863 and was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.
• 😀 General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia advanced into Pennsylvania, aiming for a major victory in the North.
• 😀 Union General George G. Meade and his Army of the Potomac met Lee's forces, leading to a battle that would last for three days.
• 😀 The first day of the battle saw heavy fighting near Gettysburg, with Union forces initially holding their ground but losing key positions.
• 😀 Union General John Reynolds, who was the highest-ranking officer on the field, was killed early in the battle, escalating the conflict.
• 😀 Confederate forces, including divisions under Generals Rhodes, Early, and Pender, managed to break through the Union's left flank, but the Union Army held strong on the high ground of Cemetery Hill.
• 😀 On the second day, Confederate General Longstreet launched attacks on the Union left, resulting in fierce fighting, especially around Little Round Top and Devil's Den.
• 😀 Despite heavy losses, the Union Army reinforced its positions, preventing the Confederates from gaining control of the high ground.
• 😀 The third day featured Pickett's Charge, a massive Confederate assault on the Union center that ended in disaster for Lee's forces, with over half of the attackers being killed or captured.
• 😀 Following the defeat, General Lee retreated back to Virginia, marking a significant turning point in the war, with the Union forces holding Gettysburg.
• 😀 In the aftermath, the town of Gettysburg became a place of immense suffering, with the wounded outnumbering the local population, and a National Cemetery was established to honor fallen soldiers.
• 😀 President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address during the cemetery's dedication, emphasizing the importance of national unity and the sacrifices made during the war.

Q & A

What was Robert E. Lee's strategic goal during the Battle of Gettysburg?

Robert E. Lee aimed to move the war from Virginia into the North and win a major battle, hoping to stoke a growing peace movement and gain momentum for the Confederate cause.

What was the significance of the Union's position during the battle?

The Union Army held the high ground, which gave them a defensive advantage. Their interior lines allowed them to quickly reinforce threatened sectors, contributing to their resilience during the battle.

What was the role of General John Reynolds at the beginning of the battle?

General John Reynolds was the highest-ranking Union officer on the field at the start of the battle. He reinforced General Buford's cavalry and attempted to strengthen the Union position before being killed early in the fighting.

How did the Union and Confederate forces engage on Day 1 of the battle?

On Day 1, the Union and Confederate forces engaged west of Gettysburg, with Union General Buford's cavalry skirmishing with Confederate forces. As the battle escalated, the Confederates broke the Union right flank, pushing Union forces back to Seminary Ridge.

What was the impact of General Sickles' decision to move his corps to the Peach Orchard?

General Sickles' decision to move his corps to the Peach Orchard created a bulge in the Union line, which led to gaps that the Confederates exploited. This forced General Meade to send reinforcements, causing strain on the Union forces.

What was the outcome of the Confederate assault on Little Round Top?

The Confederate assault on Little Round Top was repelled after intense fighting. Union forces, particularly those under General Warren, managed to secure the hill despite repeated Confederate attacks.

How did the fighting on Day 2 of the battle unfold?

On Day 2, the Confederate forces launched coordinated attacks on the Union left, including assaults on Little Round Top and the Peach Orchard. Despite initial Confederate successes, Union reinforcements held key positions, ultimately preventing a breakthrough.

What happened during Pickett's Charge on Day 3 of the battle?

Pickett's Charge was a massive Confederate assault on the Union center, led by General George Pickett. The charge, which involved crossing open ground under heavy Union artillery fire, failed disastrously, leading to a significant Confederate loss.

What role did Union cavalry play during the Battle of Gettysburg?

Union cavalry, particularly under General George Custer, played a crucial role in defending the Union flanks and rear, countering Confederate cavalry attacks, and providing critical reinforcements during the battle.

What was the significance of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?

President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, emphasized the importance of the Union cause, the sacrifices made, and the hope for a future of freedom and equality, underscoring the principles of democracy.