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How Did Hancock's Decision To Stay At The Battle At Gettysburg

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Hancock at Gettysburg
In The Killer Angels, Colonel Joshua Chamberlain describes Hancock as a “Picture-book soldier: tall and calm, handsome, magnetic” (Shaara 304). Winfield Scott Hancock was an officer in the Union army during several wars, but most notably the Civil War. He was an important leader in several battles of this war, but is best known for his actions at Gettysburg (History.com, “Winfield”). Major General Winfield Scott Hancock was essential to the Union’s victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, making the decision for the Union to fight at Gettysburg and then organizing troops on the first day, defending the Union’s left flank and center on the second day, and repelling Pickett’s Charge on the third day.
Hancock was born on 2/14/1824 …show more content…

Having great faith in Hancock’s judgement, General George Meade sent him ahead to decide whether the Union should keep its position at Gettysburg and fight, or move to Pipe Creek, the original plan. Hancock’s decision to stay at Gettysburg was significant to the battle, as it may have been fought at a different location, or not at all. When he made his choice, he said that the Union had “‘the strongest position by nature upon which to fight a battle that I ever saw’” (Jordan 84). This was because of the terrain at the Union’s disposal, including Culp’s Hill, Cemetery Hill, Cemetery Ridge, and Little Round Top. The position also gave the Union the advantage of having interior lines. If he had chosen to withdraw the soldiers, the Confederates would have been allowed to continue pushing into the North, just what they wanted in order to get foreign assistance and expand the peace movement (“Battle of Gettysburg Ends”). Additionally, the Pipe Creek plan would have been demoralizing to the Union army, as it meant retreating quite some distance (Jordan 80). Gettysburg was “the most decisive battle of the American Civil War”, as well as the “turning point” for the Union. (“Battle of Gettysburg Ends”). Had Hancock chosen not to fight there, the outcome of the war could have been much

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