Battle of Gettysburg

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer aims to sort out the rhetoric from the fact regarding the Battle of Gettysburg. The writer notes that given its importance, it is not surprising that Gettysburg is the most studied battle in the history of America. The paper first provides an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg in general. This is then followed by an assessment of the role played by the 21st North Carolina and the Iron Brigade. A summary of the research and salient findings are provided in the conclusion. The writer concludes that perhaps it is difficult for people in the 21st century to fully understand what these events meant to the soldiers who were actually fighting the frequently hand-to-hand and always bloody battles of McPherson Woods, Cemetery and Culp's Hill, but it is clear from the research that the men of the 21st North Carolina and the Iron Brigade ardently believed in what they were fighting for, and were willing to die for their causes.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Following the defeat of the Union forces of General Joseph Hooker at Chancellorsville, Virginia, in May, Confederate General Robert E. Lee made the decision to invade the North in an attempt to dissuade them from further incursions and with an eye to compelling European countries into recognizing the Confederacy, and Lee's invasion army totaled approximately 75,000 troops. Upon learning that the Union Army of the Potomac had a new commander, General George G. Meade, Lee ordered General R. S. Ewell to move to Cashtown or Gettysburg; however, the commander of Meade's advance cavalry, General John Buford, recognized the strategic importance of Gettysburg as a road center and was prepared to hold this site until reinforcements arrived."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andrews, J. Cutler. 1955. The North Reports the Civil War. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.
• Beecham, Robert & Stevens, Michael. 1998. As If It Were Glory. Madison, WI: Madison House.
• Boritt, Gabor S. 1997. The Gettysburg Nobody Knows. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Gaines, Ann Graham. 2003. The Battle of Gettysburg in American History. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
• Herdegen, Lance J. 1997. The Men Stood Like Iron: How the Iron Brigade Won Its Name. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press

More papers on Battle of Gettysburg:

• Research Paper # 94280 : "The Battle of Gettysburg"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 4301 : "The Confederate Cause at the Battle of Gettysburg"
• Term Paper # 22690 : "The Battle of Gettysburg"

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