The Battle of Gettysburg fought in south-central Pennsylvania on July 1–3, 1863, is considered to be one of the most important battles in the history of the United States as it became a turning point in the course of the Civil War (Robinson, 2007). In the following paper, this battle will be approached in detail to draw important lessons that can be relevant to tomorrow’s battles.
First, in the Battle of Gettysburg, the commanders’ intent on both sides was to win the battle by all means possible. This intent was explained by the fact that the whole community of the world was expecting the outcomes of this battle. In case the Confederate won, their state formation could be widely renowned by the key governments in the world (Robinson, 2007). On the contrary, the victory of the troops of the Union led to the strategic upset and the defeat of the South with a further unifying of the whole country. However, Confederate troops, headed by General Lee had great losses in this operation and did not succeed in moving further to the North, which led to the triumph of the Union Army (Robinson, 2007).
Second, one of the METT-T aspects, which is a mission, will be analyzed. Both enemies had a serious mission in this battle. General Lee and the army of Confederation aimed to push into the North to firmly establish their position, and prejudge the outcome of the war. The National Army, headed by General George Meade, aimed to stop General Lee, and move the military actions into the territory of the South.
Thirdly, speaking about the relationship between fire support, and command and control, it is necessary to admit that both armies demonstrated excellent skills in this area. However, the army of the Union, headed by General Meade, was more successful, which enabled causing the enemy considerable casualties that resulted in Confederate further defeat in the Civil War (Robinson, 2007).
Next, analyzing issuing the warning orders by two commanders, it is necessary to note that General Lee appeared self-confident, and underestimated the forces of the enemy while planning the attack. As a result, initial instructions to soldiers were presented in a misleading way that caused terrible losses (Robinson, 2007). Lee’s self-confidence also led to misunderstanding between him and his companions, and the lack of unity of effort among the soldiers.
Further, analyzing the close element of the battlefield organization, it appears that although the two generals made several serious strategic mistakes, those made by Lee, including failure to arrange for proper focusing of resources in space, time, and mission against the enemy, are more considerable. Lee’s strategy of the battlefield organization during the Battle of Gettysburg and the entire operation of the Confederate Army became the key element of his defeat in the war (Robinson, 2007).
In conclusion, it should be stated that the Battle of Gettysburg, fought in Pennsylvania in 1863, appeared to be one of the most important battles in the history of the United States. Although both generals, commanding the confronting armies, made several serious strategic mistakes, the errors of General Lee became fatal for the South, and put an end to the hopes of the leaders of Confederates to win the war, and build their independent country. The main mistake, made by General Lee was in his failure to understand the mission and intent of the entire military operation of the Confederate Army.
Reference
Robinson, W. (2007). Jeb Stuart and the Confederate Defeat at Gettysburg. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.