The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

A New Look at Gettysburg-- Part 1: Not an Accident

From the July 1, 2013, Parade Magazine "Gettysburg: An Expert Perspective" by Hannah Dreyfus.

She interviewed Dr. Allen C. Guetzo, professor at Gettysburg College, and author of the recent book "Gettysburg: The Last Invasion."

The biggest misconception about the Battle of Gettysburg is that it was an accidental battle.  It is true the commanders did not have advanced communication technology, but Gettysburg was less of an accident because both commanders knew a battle was coming soon and at some point.  Even Robert E. Lee had predicted there would be a battle somewhere in Pennsylvania and probably in the Gettysburg area.

One things that makes his book unique is the focus on the politics within the two armies.

In the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, it was Virginians vs. non-Virginians.  The Union's Army of the Potomac was divided between anti-slavery Republicans and anti-Lincoln Democrats.

More to Come.  --Old Secesh

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