Civil War Journal Season 2 Episode 17 Lincoln and Gettysburg

Lincoln and Gettysburg is the seventeenth episode of the second season of the historical documentary series Civil War Journal. The episode examines how President Abraham Lincoln's leadership and strategic decisions played a significant role in the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.

The episode begins by discussing the state of the war before the Battle of Gettysburg. The Confederate Army had been successful in engagements in Virginia and was beginning to move north into Pennsylvania. Union General George Meade had taken over command of the Army of the Potomac just days before the battle began. Lincoln, who had been closely monitoring the situation from Washington, DC, was facing mounting pressure to win a significant Union victory and put an end to the war.

The battle itself is then described in detail, with experts and historians providing commentary on the tactics used by both sides. The Confederate forces, led by General Robert E. Lee, had hoped to secure an important victory on Union soil, but were ultimately defeated by the Union Army. The battle marked a turning point in the war, with the Union gaining the upper hand and the Confederates losing any hope of a decisive victory.

The episode then turns to Lincoln's reaction to the battle, including his famous Gettysburg Address. The speech, given just a few months after the battle, has become one of the most well-known and celebrated speeches in American history. The experts on the show explore the significance of the speech and the impact it had on the American public at the time.

The episode also examines Lincoln's personal involvement in the battle, including his decision to go to the front lines and visit with wounded soldiers. This human side of the president adds a poignant element to the episode, showing how even the most powerful figure in the country was affected by the horrors of war.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the different factors that shaped the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War as a whole. The strategies of the opposing generals, the bravery of the soldiers, and the crucial role of leadership all played a part in the Union victory at Gettysburg. The episode's attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the Civil War or American history in general.

Overall, Lincoln and Gettysburg is an informative and engrossing episode of Civil War Journal. With its focus on the human element of the war and its in-depth analysis of the battle, viewers are given a thorough understanding of the events that led to this important Union victory. The episode is a valuable addition to the series and an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Civil War.