GETTYSBURG

The Turning Point of the Civil War

THINK ABOUT THIS

After Shiloh, Lee and the Confederacy did not have the military might to crush the Union armies.

Britain and France had still not decided if they were going to help the Confederacy (trade, diplomatic recognition)

Many citizens in the North were growing tired of the war, and wanted to negotiate for peace

If you were Robert E. Lee, what would you do?

LEADING UP TO THE BATTLE

General Lee invaded the North, marching into Pennsylvania

Lee’s supplies were running low and his troops wanted food and clothing

Because of Jeb Stuart’s antics, Lee did not have adequate information

GETTYSBURG

The battle began on July 1, 1863 (3 days before Vicksburg would surrender)

The new Union general was General George Meade

Union and Confederate troops “bumped into” one another in the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

“AN OLD GOGGLE-EYED SNAPPING TURTLE”

DAY ONE

Battle lasted three days, would be the largest battle ever fought in North America

Union troops got pushed out of the town, but regrouped on some hills outside of town( Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top, Big Round Top)

Lee’s generals did not want to attack, but Lee decided to attack anyway

MAP OF GETTYSBURG

DAY TWO

Lee ordered his troops to assault the Union forces on the hills

The armies were so big that each hill was essentially a separate battle (Little Round Top, Big Round Top, Cemetery Ridge)

Fighting was fierce but the Union Troops held their ground

Joshua Chamberlain saved the day on Little Round Top

JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN

I am the walrus, goo goo g'joob goo goo g'joob.

DAY THREE

Lee’s attacks the previous day had failed (thanks to Joshua Chamberlain!)

Lee decides to attack the middle of the Union Lines. He thinks that they are weakest here.

George Pickett assembles 15,000 men to walk a mile over open ground to the Union lines

PICKETT’S CHARGE

Interactive Map...Yay!

THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS

Given on November 19, 1863 (4 months later)

Dedicate a military cemetery at Gettysburg

First speaker spoke for two hours

President Lincoln spoke for two minutes (not even time for a picture)