Battle of Gettysburg Flashcards
When did the Battle of Gettysburg take place?
1st-3rd July 1863
Why did Lee decide to invade Pennsylvania in 1863?
The supply situation in Virginia was strained
He thought a successful invasion might lead to a negotiated settlement or foreign recognition
What strategic theory was Lee testing with his invasion?
That a successful offensive (rather than purely defensive war) could change the course of the war in favour of the Confederacy
Who commanded the Union forces at Gettysburg?
General Meade
What was ‘Pickett’s Charge’?
A disastrous Confederate assault on 3rd July where 12,500 men charged across open ground against Union positions, resulting in heavy casualties
What proportion of Confederate forces were lost at Gettysburg?
1/3
Why didn’t Meade pursue Lee’s army after the battle of Gettysburg?
Meade’s forces were too exhausted to follow up on their defensive victory
How did Gettysburg affect Lee’s military reputation?
His reputation for invincibility was lost
What effect did the battle of Gettysburg have on potential foreign intervention?
It ended any hope of foreign intervention as European allies wouldn’t back the losing side
What famous speech resulted from the Battle of Gettysburg?
The Gettysburg Address (delivered by Lincoln)
