The Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most well-known battles of the American Civil War and in American military history. It was widely believed that this battle ultimately set the course of the war’s outcome, turning the tide in favor for the Union Army. The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a unit largely comprised of Maine’s undesirable, leftover volunteers, was resupplied by the soon-to-be-court-martialed mutineers of the 2nd Maine Volunteer Infantry. It was posted at the far left of the Union army’s defensive line, atop Little Round Top on the 2nd of July, 1863, the second day of the battle.
Aside from shedding light on the strategic importance of the 20th Maine’s defensive position, at Little Round Top, for the Battle, and more importantly—the war in whole, this thesis will also take a deeper look into the enlisted men of 20th Maine, their commanding officers, and the mutineers of the 2nd Maine who were sent to reinforce them before the battle. It will examine the claim that Colonel Joshua Chamberlain was not the one who ordered the 20th Maine to make their famous bayonet charge into enemy line, but rather his subordinate officer.
Table of Contents
- Thesis Proposal
- Contextual Essay
- Literary Review
- Annotated bibliography
- Thesis
- Secondary Sources
- Primary Sources
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to examine the role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg, focusing on the regiment's composition, leadership, and strategic importance. It challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Colonel Joshua Chamberlain's role in the famous bayonet charge. The thesis also explores the social and historical context of the regiment's members, many of whom were considered "undesirable" volunteers.
- The strategic importance of the 20th Maine's position at Little Round Top.
- The composition and background of the 20th Maine's soldiers.
- The leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his subordinates.
- The role of the 2nd Maine's mutineers in reinforcing the 20th Maine.
- The accidental nature of the Battle of Gettysburg's commencement.
Chapter Summaries
Thesis Proposal: This section introduces the central argument of the thesis, which explores the often-overlooked role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. It highlights the regiment's unique composition of "undesirable" volunteers and their crucial contribution to the Union victory. The proposal outlines the thesis's methodology, including the use of primary sources such as soldiers' diaries and letters, and secondary sources like journal articles and monographs. It sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the strategic importance of the 20th Maine's actions and the individual stories of the men who fought there. The accidental start of the battle, triggered by a skirmish over shoes, is also introduced as a key element.
Contextual Essay: This chapter provides historical context for the Battle of Gettysburg, emphasizing its pivotal role in the American Civil War and its lasting impact on American history and national identity. The essay discusses the Gettysburg Address and its immortalization of the battle's significance. It then introduces the thesis's surprising claim that the battle itself was accidental, originating from a minor skirmish between Confederate and Union soldiers scavenging for shoes. The chapter sets the stage for a more detailed examination of the events leading up to and including the battle.
Keywords
Battle of Gettysburg, 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Joshua Chamberlain, American Civil War, Little Round Top, "undesirable" volunteers, bayonet charge, military strategy, primary sources, secondary sources, accidental battle.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis examines the often-overlooked role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. It focuses on the regiment's composition (including many "undesirable" volunteers), leadership (particularly Colonel Joshua Chamberlain), and strategic importance in the Union victory. The thesis challenges conventional narratives and explores the social and historical context of the regiment's members.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the strategic importance of the 20th Maine's position at Little Round Top; the composition and background of the regiment's soldiers; the leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his subordinates; the role of the 2nd Maine's mutineers in reinforcing the 20th Maine; and the accidental nature of the Battle of Gettysburg's commencement.
What sources are used in the thesis?
The thesis utilizes both primary sources (soldiers' diaries and letters) and secondary sources (journal articles and monographs) to support its arguments. This combination allows for a detailed and nuanced exploration of the topic.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured as follows: Thesis Proposal, Contextual Essay, Literary Review, Annotated Bibliography, Thesis, Secondary Sources, and Primary Sources. Each section contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the 20th Maine's role at Gettysburg.
What is the thesis proposal about?
The thesis proposal introduces the central argument, highlighting the unique composition of the 20th Maine and their crucial contribution to the Union victory. It outlines the methodology and sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the strategic importance of the regiment's actions and the individual stories of the men who fought.
What is covered in the contextual essay?
The contextual essay provides historical context for the Battle of Gettysburg, emphasizing its pivotal role in the American Civil War and its lasting impact. It introduces the surprising claim that the battle was accidental, starting with a minor skirmish over shoes, and sets the stage for a detailed examination of the events leading up to the battle.
What are some keywords associated with this thesis?
Keywords include: Battle of Gettysburg, 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Joshua Chamberlain, American Civil War, Little Round Top, "undesirable" volunteers, bayonet charge, military strategy, primary sources, secondary sources, accidental battle.
What is the significance of the "undesirable" volunteers?
The thesis explores the unique composition of the 20th Maine, which included many "undesirable" volunteers. Their inclusion and contributions challenge traditional narratives of the battle and highlight the diverse nature of the Union army.
How does this thesis challenge conventional narratives?
The thesis challenges conventional narratives by focusing on the often-overlooked role of the 20th Maine and by highlighting the accidental nature of the Battle of Gettysburg's start, emphasizing the role of a minor skirmish over shoes.
What is the role of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain in this thesis?
The thesis examines the leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his subordinates, challenging conventional narratives surrounding his role in the famous bayonet charge at Little Round Top.
- Quote paper
- Michael Gorman (Author), 2014, Mainiacs, shoes, and the accident that was Gettysburg. The historical role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/333966
