There are many reasons I could list off as to why the
Confederates were on the losing side of the Gettysburg battle, though I will focus on the three that stick out the most to me. From Pickett’s inexperienced attack on the Union, to Lee’s temporary loss of cavalry, and the Union’s clever defensive formation, the key to the Union’s victory will be explained from my POV shortly.
The first thing that contributed to Lee’s failure was his momentary loss of his cavalry. J.E.B. Stuart was sent orders to cross the Potomac river and screen Richard Ewell’s right flank with the cavalry. Against better judgement, Stuart neglected the direct route to Ewell, deciding to lead his men towards Rockville, Maryland. On the day they set off though, Union troops blocked their route and added on to the time Lee spent without reinforcement. This scenario was a huge setback, and most likely caused an embarrassed Lee many heavy sighs and great confusion. Now, I don’t know too much about war and what those engaged in it might have been feeling, but my guess is that to be disoriented at any point in wartime, is to practically lose right then and there. …show more content…
The placement of men they had supported the Union in a few ways, probably the most obvious one being their ability to send extra troops to areas in which it was needed. The hook-like shape allowed men to traverse short distances to help as reinforcements or what need be. Even though they were surrounded by their opponents, the Union still had the advantage of numbers, which also played into the ease of sending help to weakened areas within the hook