Chamberlain's Influence

Brigadier General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was a college professor, Governor of Maine, and a Civil War hero in the battle of Gettysburg, Chamberlain impacted local, state, and national levels of the United States, most notably at the Battle of Gettysburg. Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine on September 8th 1828 (“Joshua Chamberlain” 1 ). His parents were Joshua and Sarah Bratow Chamberlain (“Joshua Chamberlain” 1). He was the first of five siblings, his brother Thomas also served in the Civil War. His mother instilled a sense of religion, while his father taught, influenced his taste in military. When he was in his twenties, Chamberlain worked in the brickyard and the timber industry before setting his sights towards teaching. He studied
By holding this key high ground he and the 20th Maine greatly contributed to the victory at Gettysburg. Chamberlain’s orders were to hold the Union line otherwise the whole Union line would be crushed. If they failed, ultimately the whole Union line would collapse (“Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain” 1). If they retreated, the Union would lose the Battle of Gettysburg (“Towards Gettysburg” 1 ). He had his troops well supplied, and constantly provided the morale and confidence boosts the regiment needed throughout the battle. He also would put his life on the line to push back against the 15th Alabama for Little Round Top. Another huge part of winning the Battle of Little Round Top was Chamberlain’s vision and decision making. When the 15th Alabama tried to flank their left side Chamberlain and his men were able to maneuver around to the left to defend the attack. After many attacks on Chamberlain and his men there were many in the 20th Maine who were dead or wounded. Realizing there was little to no chance of surviving another assault from Confederate forces, Chamberlain orders his regiment to fix bayonets and prepare to charge down the hill, knowing they had the advantage of the high ground. They charged and forced the 15th Alabama to surrender (Shaara 228-229). They took many prisoners, and Chamberlain’s heroics in the battle earned him the Medal of Honor. Chamberlain’s role in the Battle of Gettysburg is arguably the most important, for his defense of Little Round Top provided and anchored protection of the Union line. Before he and the 20th Maine ventured towards the advancing Confederate unit, he was personally ordered to hold the Union line. Colonel Vincent Strong telling him “hold this place at all hazards” and without him and the 20th Maine, the Union line would fall, and the Union would lose