Applied US History - De La Salle Institute



Applied US History Name_______________

Mr. Brogan Civil War Gettysburg Notes #A

Gettysburg Movie Notes

Directions-Complete this handout at you watch Gettysburg. Notes follow the battle. This film takes you through the battle of Gettysburg. It divides the battle into three pivotal events, Buford’s stand at Seminary Ridge on Day 1, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s defense of his position on Little Round Top on Day 2, and finally, Pickett’s Charge on Day 3.

Buford’s Stand at Seminary Ridge

Why were Buford and the Federal Cavalry vital on the first day?

Describe the difference in numbers between Buford’s forces and the Confederate troops. Why would Buford deploy his force against a force such as that approaching Seminary Ridge? What was the significance of Buford’s actions on the first day?

Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Little Round Top

Why was Little Round Top a crucial position in the Union line? What was the 20th Maine’s part in defending it?

How do Chamberlain’s men and subordinate officers respond to him after the action at Little Round Top? How do officers from other regiments who observed Chamberlain respond to Chamberlain after the attack?

Pickett’s Charge

In your own words, describe the mood of General Longstreet as he orders General Pickett to begin the attack.

During the charge, Pickett exclaims, “I can’t see what’s happening to my boys!” What does this statement say about Pickett as a leader and a commander?

Relationships

As you watch the film comment on the following relationships

Robert E. Lee & James Longstreet Joshua Chamberlain & his men

John Buford & his men Lee & his troops

Courage in War

In the Civil War, defensive technology gave defenders a great advantage. Can you explain why tens of thousands of soldiers on each side, in battle after battle, had the commitment and courage to march against withering fire of the defenders while those around them fell with hideous and fatal wounds?

Why was the Federal Cavalry vital on the first day? How would the battle have been different if the Confederate Cavalry had been present at the start of the battle?

What role, in your own estimation, did Buford’s forces play in the overall battle at Gettysburg?

For much of the Civil War the Confederacy had superiority in terms of intelligence. This was not the case with their invasion of Pennsylvania. Explain.

At the end of the charge, General Lee mutters several times, “It’s my fault… it’s all my fault…” Evaluate Lee’s decision to send Pickett’s men on this sort of charge. Should Lee have been reprimanded or possibly removed from command for his decision? Explain your answer.

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