The 20th Maine at Gettysburg

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the life and military career of General Joshua Chamberlain, born in 1828 and discusses how the Civil War made him a better man, despite its many horrors. It puts forward the argument that the 20th Maine was perhaps singularly responsible for the Union victory at Gettysburg in holding the left of the Union flank. It includes accounts of the battle from many perspectives, including those of men in the Confederate camps and in particular, an account of the battle as it pertains to the fight of the 20th Maine on Little Round Top.

From the Paper:

"Joshua's last great battle was to be two days later on White Oak road, where he fought his men against General Lee himself. Refusing to wait for a bridge to be rebuilt over the Rappahannock, he led his men through waist deep water and persuaded General Warren to allow him to attack immediately across an open field, knowing it would cost more lives to wait. He succeeded in pushing Lee back, although he said himself that ?Had I known...that General Lee was personally directing affairs I would not have been so rash, nor thought myself so cool.? Later, at Five Forks, Joshua continued to show his great valor and leadership skills."

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