The Civil War is one of the wars that determined the fate of the present United States. It is considered second in terms of importance to the victory of the combined forces of the French fleet and George Washington’s Continental Army over the British army that led to the American Independence. The result of the battle of Gettysburg could have determined the outcome of the Civil War, and therefore it is crucial to examine the factors that led to a Union victory over the Confederates. To this end, this essay will explore, compare and contrast General Lee and Colonel Chamberlain in their leadership styles because it is apparent that their leadership styles had a deciding effect on the outcome of the battle of Gettysburg.
General Lee at the point of the battle had been victorious in earlier battles possibly from his skill as a battlefield tactician. However, the previous victories may have led to hubris where he believed that he could not possibly lose. For example, in the film, when General Longstreet realizes that they Confederate army has the Union army on the run he suggests that they pull back and march on Washington DC, General Lee rebuffs his suggestion. Nevertheless, General Lee demonstrates exceptional leadership skills when dealing with his men. He allows General Trimble to express his emotions regarding his superiors but refuses his request for a transfer complimenting his skill as a battlefield commander. General Lee can also be seen being curt and direct with General Stuart by informing him that there is no time for excuses. The doomed Pickett’s charge was a demonstration of General Lee’s greatest mistake as a leader; he focuses too much on victory and ignores advice from his trusted generals who were of the opinion that the battle could not be won. He however accepts full responsibility for the defeat showing integrity as a leader.
Colonel Chamberlain, on the other hand, focuses on his men and treats them with a surprising amount of respect; this can be seen in how he treats the mutineers from his state. Colonel Chamberlain is also seen insisting that his brother refer to him as the Colonel as a show of professionalism considering that he is a Lieutenant and therefore a subordinate. We can also see Colonel Chamberlain relating the importance and urgency of holding their ground to the soldiers to prevent the Confederates from attacking the rest of the Union army from behind. In addition, he expresses his views that the Union army would attack from the left flank as opposed to his superiors opinion. However, when one examines the entire context of the battle, it is apparent that General Lee’s mistake of the Pickett’s charge was responsible for the outcome of the battle as opposed to particular leadership skills on the part of Colonel Chamberlain.
Works Cited
Gettysburg. Dir. Ronald F Maxwell. Perf. Stephen Lang, Martin Sheen and Tom Berenger. 1993. Online. <http://putlocker.is/watch-gettysburg-online-free-putlocker.html>.
McCausland, Jeffrey D. "The top three leadership lessons from the battle of Gettysburg." The Guardian 2 July 2013: 12. Online. <http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jul/02/gettysburg-150th-anniversary-top-three-lessons>.
