The Battle of Gettysburg

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg in general, followed by an assessment of how the roles played by the 26th North Carolina and the Iron Brigade during the first two days of battle helped to influence the outcome. A summary of the research and salient findings are presented. The author focuses on the role of leadership on both sides, as they appeared to play a critical role in the outcome of this infamous battle. The author also cites that it is clear from the research that the men of the 26th 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
Figure 1. Uniform of the Iron Brigade
26th North Carolina
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Given its importance, it is not surprising that Gettysburg is the most studied battle in the history of America. In fact, Martin points out that, "Even before the fighting was over it was viewed as the most decisive battle of the Civil War, and a legion of writers have since recorded their narratives and offered their interpretations of the battle." Likewise, Andrews suggests that, "No battle of the Civil War appeals more to the popular imagination than the one which was fought near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1, 2, and 3, 1863. Apart from the fact that this struggle, unlike most, is comparatively easy for the layman to understand; apart from the fact that it was one of the bloodiest battles in modern times -- the Battle of Gettysburg stands forth as a turning point in the history of the Civil War." The Battle of Gettysburg was fought during July 1-3, 1863, just 35 miles southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Losses on both sides, though, were among the war's heaviest; of 88,000 Northern troops, casualties were approximately 23,000; from a total 75,000 Southerners, there were likewise more than 20,000. Two of the units that participated in the battles at Gettysburg that took place over the course of the next 3 days were the famed Iron Brigade of the Union and the equally tough 26th North Carolina of the Confederates, both of which received an inordinate number of casualties during the fighting that ensued. These units and their respective parts in the Battle of Gettysburg are discussed further below."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Primary Sources:
• Andrews, J. Cutler. 1955. The North Reports the Civil War. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. This book provides a number of first-hand accounts of the action that led up to Gettysburg, and what the implications of that battle were for both sides. Dr. Cutler's analysis of the Battle of Gettysburg itself was also useful.
• Beecham, Robert & Stevens, Michael. 1998. As If It Were Glory. Madison, WI: Madison House. The author reports on the daily lives of Civil War soldiers and provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Meade's failure to fully prosecute his advantage at Gettysburg.
• Cureton T. J. 1890, June 15. Letter to John R. Lane, John Randolph Lane Papers, SHC.
• Hamblen, C. P., & Powell, W. L. (1993). Connecticut Yankees at Gettysburg. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press.

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