Little Round Top Research Paper

Introduction On the second day of July 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was assigned to the far left of the Union line at the critical position of Little Round Top. With no other available options or ammunition, the 20th Battalion of Maine executed a bayonet charge led by Chamberlain at Confederate General John B. Hood’s approaching troops. Chamberlain’s act of courageousness and stoutheartedness led to the retreat of Hood’s men, the successful defense of General Meade’s Flank, and held the Union’s position at the high ground of Little Round Top.
Background Information Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine in the year of 1828. As he may have looked up to cunning military leaders …show more content…
To begin, the bayonet charge ordered by Chamberlain was a success, for it caused General Hood and his soldiers to fall back. This resulted in the Confederates being pushed into Chamberlain’s deadly “right wheel forward” flanking maneuver, the capture of most of the 15th Alabama troops, and also it bought the Union a little time to call in reinforcements to continue the defense of the high ground at Little Round Top. Next, the bayonet charge helped to reach, secure, and defend General Meade’s left flank. If Chamberlain did not reach Meade in time, Meade could have been over run on the defensive and Union soldier casualties could have increased by lots more than they already were. Last but not least, Chamberlain’s decision of a full frontal assault on Hood’s men helped to hold the Union’s position on Little Round Top. If Chamberlain made a wrong decision, then the high ground could have been taken by the Confederates and the Union could have potentially lost the Battle of Gettysburg. For these reasons, Chamberlain and his bayonet charge were majorly significant on the second day of the Battle of