2nd July 1863. Battle of Gettysburg. For perhaps the only time in the entire war the Confederates seem to be winning.
Dan Sickles, commander III Corps, is ordered hold on Cemetery Ridge. For reasons unknown he advances. Broken, his men begin to flee.
This is the moment on which the war depends /1
I think it is too easy for us miltary historians to focus on drawing arrows on maps. In doing so we fail to convey WHY normal people, who found themselves in uniform, did extraordinary things.
It was because it mattered.
I think that’s why I was so captivated; you made this about the people involved.
I’m glad you shared their story today, and hope I get to read more threads of yours that are similar.
