Rodrigo Samodal
LDS 102
Charles Powell
February 13, 2016
Gettysburg
The Civil War-one of America’s most prominent and important struggles in its period of development. With the country divided in half between the southern and northern states, civil war plagues the still young and developing nation of the United States of America. As both sides fight for their beliefs and their lifestyles, great leaders begin to emerge from both sides. One of the most esteemed and famous military leaders from the northern union army was Colonel Chamberlain from the 40th division from Maine.
All throughout the long years of the Civil War, many barbarous and bloody battles were fought. But no battle became more famous than the battle of Gettysburg; one of the most important battles in the course of the war and one that is considered the major turning point of the war. It was during the battle of Gettysburg that Colonel Chamberlain became a renowned military leader for his bravery and strength in defending the strategic point of Little Round Top, for if it fell, the Confederacy would have broken through an important line of defense of the Union Army.
Colonel Chamberlain’s character and leadership style was well portrayed in the movie, and I admire him. He is calm, collected, cautious, brave, and quick-witted. He is also a kind and philosophical leader. When he first received command of a new regiment, he also receives another batch of contracted soldiers. He is told he is to keep these men in line by using any means necessary to do so, even if it means having to shoot them at the first sign of defiance or resistance to orders. But Chamberlain does not use any of these methods of force. Instead he preaches to the, about what the Union is fighting for in this war and what he is fighting for. He states that he is fighting for what he believes is right and what will make a better future for the Unites States. And finally, he does not force or threaten any of them to make them stay and fight, but instead he personally asks them to help him in the fight for the Union cause and he states that he will be ever so grateful to them if they choose to do so. Any man who chooses to leave would be allowed to do so without fear of capital punishment. I personally prefer this leadership style and admire Colonel Chamberlain for these characteristics.
One of the prominent leaders on the Southern side was General Robert E. Lee, the core commanding officer of the Confederate army. He was personally there to comman the battle of Gettysburg and witness the events that followed. General Lee put everything on the line for this attack, pouring out all of the artillery ammunition he could onto the Union and sending out nearly 15,000 men charging straight into almost certain death. One of his comrades, Lt. Longstreet, knew that this attack was doomed to fail and that it would be a massacre out there. He pointed out that the Union soldiers had the advantage of higher ground and the Confederate soldiers would be charging through almost a mile of complete open ground. Despite the advice Lee is given, he is hasty for battle, ignores anyone else, and proceeds with the attack, thus beginning the battle of Gettysburg. Before he realizes his mistake, it is too late and the Confederate army suffers a massacre on the battlefield.
Compared to Colonel Chamberlain, I would consider General Lee’s leadership style to be quite hasty, He was overconfident with his strategy for victory and was willing to make great sacrifices to achieve victory. He ignores any advice he is given and commences attack nonetheless because he wanted a swift victory to speed up the war and end it sooner. Amidst his own ego, he paid no attention to any of his officers and sent almost 3 divisions of almost 15,000 men to their deaths. Colonel Chamberlain was much more cautious, knowing how important his defense point was. He was courageous and quick witted while he led his troops to victory, although they were running low on man power and ammunition. Also, Colonel Chamberlain was understanding and passionate about the cause he fought for and compassionate about his comrades and even for enemy soldiers. When he captured a contingent of enemy soldiers after a battle, he fed them, cared for them, and treated them humanely. This shows that he is more than just a great soldier, but a good person.
Citation
Gettysburg. Dir. Ronald F. Maxwell. By Ronald F. Maxwell. Perf. Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen,
Stephen Lang, and Jeff Daniels. New Line Cinema, 1993. Web.