The Killer Angels

A detailed Summary of The Killer Angels

The Killer Angels is a novel about the Civil War. More accurately it is about the Gettysburg Campaign that turned the tide of war in the favor of the Union. This book is not only about the tactical aspects of the battle but it also gives a personal account of the many key players. Great men like General Robert E. Lee, General Longstreet, General Pickett, General Buford, and Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain are featured.

The story begins on Monday 29 June 1863. General Longstreet hired a spy to scout out the Union Army because J.E.B. Stuarts Cavalry had not been heard from in quite some time. The spy tells Longstreet about the strength of the Union Army and that they are headed to cut off the Confederate Army in order to prevent them from invading the North. Longstreet takes this information to General Lee and he concludes that the two Armies will meet at a town called Gettysburg.

This book then goes into everything that leads up to the first day of battle on Wednesday, July 1, 1863. It goes on to how General Bufords Cavalry encountered the lead elements of the Army of Northern Virginia and is forced to defend the high ground on Cemetery Ridge, just outside of the town, until the main body

The following day was the third and final day of battle. This is when the infamous Picketts Charge took place. Many people do not understand the rationale behind this decision made by General Lee but if you really think about it, it was the only choice left besides withdrawal. The Rebs attacked both flanks the day before and the Union Army thought that they would again so this is where all of the reserves were placed. The weakest point in the Union line was right in the middle. The main problem was that is was over a mile walk on open land and up hill. Lee knew that he was sending many young men to certain death but he believed in his "boys" and he thought that they could do it. They thought that they could do it as well. So on the morning of July 3, 1863, after a long and heavy artillery bombardment, they formed up and marched to their deaths. Picketts division was almost entirely wiped out. The Army of Northern Virginia withdrew from the field of battle and retrea!

of the Army of the Potomac can reach him. He holds until Wednesday, July 1, 1863 when the lead elements of the Union Army finally come up and relieve him. The Union Army succeeds in holding the high ground and as night falls on the first day they begin digging in.

onal Medal of Honor for his valor on Little Round Top.

resist northern control. Men from the south were not just fighting is order to keep their slaves, very few of the typical infantryman in the Confederate Army ev

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Approximate Word count = 990
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History