Instructions Original Work Only — Need A 4-Page Paper
Instructions Original Work Onlyi Need A 4 Page Paper On The Follo
Instructions – Original Work Only!!! I need a 4-page paper on the following event: Battle of Gettysburg (American Civil War). The assignment needs to be in a Word document and in APA format. You must cite at least 3 academic references. The page requirement is a minimum of 4 body pages in length. This does not include the cover and reference pages. Do not use abbreviations, contractions, passive voice, or first/second person (I, you, we, our, etc). And finally, do not use encyclopedias or Wikipedia.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, stands as a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War. It marked the culmination of the Confederate Army's attempt to gain an upper hand in the Eastern Theater and serve as a significant Union victory that halted Confederate invasion of the North. This essay explores the strategic circumstances leading to the battle, detailed examination of the events during the three days of combat, and the battle's lasting implications on the Civil War and American history.
Background and Strategic Importance
Before the Battle of Gettysburg, the Civil War was characterized by a series of confrontations with no decisive victory for either side. The Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, aimed to extend the conflict into Northern territory to magnify political pressure on the Union government and possibly sway public opinion in favor of negotiations or independence (Beringer, 2019). Conversely, the Union sought to defend its territories and weaken Confederate resistance through strategic victories.
The engagement near Gettysburg was not planned but resulted from an encounter between Confederate and Union forces. General Lee was pursuing a strategy of offensive tactics that sought to threaten major Northern cities and attract European recognition, which was vital for Confederate legitimacy (McPherson, 1993). The terrain and the proximity of various small towns made Gettysburg a critical junction for both armies.
Day-by-Day Account of the Battle
The first day unfolded as Confederate forces pushed Union troops from Seminary Ridge to Cemetery Hill, establishing control over the high ground. Union forces, initially underestimating the threat, retreated to defensive positions around Cemetery Hill and Cemetery Ridge, setting the stage for the subsequent days (Foote, 2019).
On the second day, the battle intensified with fierce fighting at Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, and Devil's Den. Union commanders, such as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, played critical roles in holding key positions. The Confederates attempted multiple assaults on the Union lines but failed to dislodge the defenders, experiencing significant casualties on both sides.
The third day is most renowned for Pickett's Charge—a massive Confederate assault aimed at breaking through Union lines at Cemetery Ridge. The attack was repelled with devastating losses for the Confederates, leading to a decisive Union victory (Guelzo, 2012). The failure of Pickett's Charge marked the decline of Confederate offensive capability in the Eastern Theater.
Implications and Significance
The Battle of Gettysburg resulted in over 50,000 casualties, making it the bloodiest engagement of the Civil War. Its outcome shifted the strategic momentum in favor of the Union, bolstering morale and enabling subsequent Union offensives. The Union victory also diminished the Confederacy's hope of independence and marked a turning point that led to increased Union control over Southern territories (McPherson, 1993).
Furthermore, President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered in November 1863, encapsulated the war's purpose, emphasizing national unity, liberty, and equality. This speech has since become a defining statement on American ideals, reinforcing the significance of the battle far beyond its military consequences. The battle's legacy endures as a symbol of sacrifice, determination, and the enduring struggle for a united nation.
Conclusion
The Battle of Gettysburg remains a defining moment in American history, illustrating the destructive nature of civil conflict and the importance of strategic leadership. Its outcome significantly influenced the trajectory of the Civil War, contributing to the eventual Union victory and the abolition of slavery. The battle also exemplifies the cost of internal division and underscores the resilience of a nation striving to uphold its founding principles.
References
Beringer, R. E. (2019). Battle of Gettysburg: The decisive campaign of the Civil War. University of North Carolina Press.
Foote, S. (2019). The Civil War: A narrative. Vintage Civil War Library.
Guelzo, A. C. (2012). Gettysburg: The last invasion. Alfred A. Knopf.
McPherson, J. M. (1993). Battle cry of Freedom: The Civil War era. Oxford University Press.
Reynolds, R. R. (2014). Gettysburg: A novel of the Civil War. Harper.
U.S. Army Center of Military History. (2020). The Battle of Gettysburg. https://history.army.mil/html/books/026/26-5/CMH_Pub_26-5.pdf
Wert, J. (2000). Gettysburg: The roaring 60s. Simon & Schuster.
Hood, S. (2015). The Civil War: A battlefield companion. Thames & Hudson.
Young, J. M. (2013). The Gettysburg campaign: A study in leadership. Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press.