The First Day at Gettysburg: Essays on Confederate and Union Leadership

Many writers have argued that the Battle of Gettysburg represented the turning point of the Civil War, after which the Confederate fortunes moved inexorably toward defeat. Often overshadowed by more famous events on the second and third day, the initial phase of the contest offers very interesting problems of leadership. In this collection of essays, the contributors examine several controversial aspects of leadership on that opening day, including Lee's strategy and tactics, the conduct of Confederate corps commanders Richard S. Ewell and A.P. Hill, Oliver Otis Howard's role on the Union side, and a series of notable debacles among Lee's brigadiers. Drawing on the range of sources, the authors combine interpretation and new evidence, aiming to challenge readers to reconsider their understanding of the events of July 1, 1863.