Gettysburg Part 1

Though Gettysburg would turn out to be a critical Union victory, the first two days of fighting hinted at a Confederate victory. General Lee, who had had success at the Battle of Chancelorsville, and who had also lost Stonewall Jackson to friendly fire, had under him three corps of men, led James Longstreet, Richard Ewell, and J.E.B. Stewart. On the Union side, Joseph Hooker had been replaced according to Lincoln's orders by George Meade. On the first day of fighting, the Union forces were laid out in defensive positions on ridges around the town. However, the Confederates managed to push back their lines, and they were forced to retreat to the hills south of the town. However, the Confederates also missed an opportunity to take Cemetery Ridge due to misgivings of Ewell. The second day was also the bloodiest. The Confederates hammered at the Union lines, though the Union held their ground. The Confederates were also impeded by a continued absence of Stuart. Finally, at the Battle of Little Round Top, the Union left flank managed to charge in a hinge formation towards the Confederates, successfully driving them back despite their almost complete lack of ammunition.