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The Killer Angels Essay

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“The Killer Angels” is a historical fiction novel published by Michael Shaara and details the Battle of Gettysburg as described by generals on both Union and Confederate sides - all based on real Civil War figures. The story begins with the events leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. General James Longstreet, second in command to Confederate general Robert E. Lee, is informed by a spy that the Union army is moving, contrary to what has previously been told. Believing they must move north in order to catch the Union army by surprise, the Confederate army begins their journey to Gettysburg. Meanwhile, Union general John Buford discovers the presence of Confederate troops and begins preparing for a potential battle, aligning his soldiers alongside …show more content…

Chamberlain encounters an escaped slave, which prompts him to think about the cause of the war and what they are truly fighting for. Meanwhile, Lee and Longstreet argue over their strategy and methods of attacking the Union line - eventually agreeing on attacking the left flank, which results in major casualties on both sides. Knowing both flanks of the Union army have been weakened, Lee decides to hone in on the middle and split the army in two. July 3rd comes and Lee remains intent on attacking the Union army, regardless of Longstreet’s pleas to retreat and swing back to Washington, D.C as he feels Lee’s plan will ultimately fail. With General George Pickett in charge of the assault, the Confederates begin their attack with an artillery barrage in order to weaken Union artillery. However, Chamberlain’s regiment still stood strong as Confederates shot too high - therefore wasting some of their artillery that would later become much needed. The Confederate soldiers began to march, but were faced with firing cannons and Union soldiers opening fire. Pickett, having lost 60% of his regiment, calls for retreat - therefore marking the end of the Battle of

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