Why Did the North Win the Battle of Gettysburg?
In 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg became the turning point that was the beginning of the end for the South in the Civil War. Gen. Robert E. Lee and his Confederate counterparts made several key mistakes that would hand victory to the North.
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Too Much Too Fast
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One big reason why Lee was passing through Gettysburg was to attack Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington. The decision to cross into Pennsylvania was the desire by Lee to force a quick negotiated truce with the North. This miscalculation meant that at Gettysburg, he would encounter Union forces at a place Union Gen. George Meade felt was the ideal site to fight Lee.
The Search for Shoes
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When the Confederate Army was discovered at Gettysburg, they had a scout team looking for shoes. Once they encountered Union resistance in the town, they withdrew. The following morning, Gen. A.P. Hill ordered them to go back for the shoes in town, at which point the Confederates returned to the town, and the hostilities began.
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Lack of Flexibility
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At Gettysburg, Lee did not have any flexibility. General James Longstreet told him the position was indefensible and that it would be prudent to take a defensive position. This meant that throughout the battle, the South would be at a disadvantage.
Jeb Stuart
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Lee let Gen. Jeb Stuart harass Union lines during the battle. This meant Lee did not have the extra forces he needed to fight the North during key points of the battle.
Pickett's Charge
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As the battle was going badly for the South, Gen. George Pickett made one last charge at Union positions. Out in the open field, the Union soldiers waited until they were close enough and opened fire on the Confederates, leaving 7,500 of Lee's men dead within one hour.
Significance
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The Battle of Gettysburg signified a major turning point in the war. Lee's army, the Army of Northern Virgina, was soundly defeated, losing several key units and generals during this battle. Lee's forces would never be able to cross into the North again, signifying the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. This would change life in America forever, becoming a pivotal chapter in American history.
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