Compare And Contrast Union Vs Confederate

Caitlyn Epperson

Dennison

History 1301

1 May 2015

Union Vs. Confederate

The Killer Angels a book written by Michael Shaara, published in the 1970’s. The book gives readers a surprising view of the Civil War. After visiting Gettysburg, the author knew that he wanted to write about America’s past. Instead of creating fictional characters Shaara writes about men that played significant role in the American Civil War. People such as Robert E. Lee and Joshua L. Chamberlain were some of the characters the author chose to include in order to add a more interesting historical twist. The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most important days in American History, a three-day battle takes place in which roughly 50,000 were killed. The story starts out

Longstreet points out that the Confederates can easily win the battle because of their defensive strengths and the only way the Union can win is by great offence. Both decide the best option is to try to get between the Confederates and Washington D.C. in order to even have a chance at defeating the Union Army. As the Battle begins, Buford and his men wait for General Reynolds and his troops to come and help fight. Reynolds is killed. As Lee arrives and orders his men to attack, the Union keeps coming as his men are being killed off. He is forced to retreat and day one of the battle comes to an

Longstreet on the other hand believes that attacking the Union’s left flank is the smarter and safer plan. The decision is made to attack the Unions flank, a major turning point in the battle, they are lead up to Little Round Top and Big Round Top and the plan does not go exactly how they planned. They realize that the Confederates have shifted and it forced the Union to attack ending in a blood bath for both sides. When Chamberlain finally arrives at Little Round Top and is told that he cannot retreat and they are the only hope. Because the Union still controls Little Round Top, Longstreet’s men do everything they can in order to hold their position and fight off attack after attack. In the end after running out of ammunition they are forced to use their bayonets and charge the Confederates. As the Confederates flee the Union Army realizes the significances of the number of soldiers that have lost. As the battle ends the second day, Lee and his Generals begin to think of the best strategy for what is to come the next day, charge the middle and try to separate the army to weaken them and force them to separate into two smaller