The Rest Is History 202. American Civil War: Gettysburg (Part 3)
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Jun 30, 2022 Historian Adam Smith from the University of Oxford joins to explore the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg and Abraham Lincoln's iconic address. They discuss the strategic blunders of Confederate General Lee and the crucial impact of Union General Meade's decisions. The conversation shifts to the experiences of Black soldiers during the Civil War, their contributions, and struggles for freedom. Smith also examines how the battle shaped commemoration practices, alongside the enduring legacy of Lincoln's words that resonate even today.
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Faulkner's Depiction of Pickett's Charge
- William Faulkner's passage in "Intruders in the Dust" describes the anticipation of Pickett's Charge.
- It reflects the romanticized view of the Confederacy's potential turning point at Gettysburg.
Confederate Strategy in 1863
- In 1863, the Confederacy still believed victory was possible by making the war too costly for the North.
- This strategy aimed to break Northern public opinion and force a Confederate-favorable peace.
Gettysburg's Significance
- Gettysburg, a small town, became the site of the Civil War's most famous battle.
- The battle's significance stems from its accidental nature as a meeting engagement and the importance of controlling the surrounding heights.