Jeb Stuart In The Battle Of Gettysburg

The Role of Jeb Stuart in the Battle of Gettysburg
The Civil War is sometimes said to be the second war of American independence. This war was a nation fighting itself, North versus South, each side fighting for what they believed in. America suffered many tragedies from the war, but it also brought new advancements in technology and medicine, as well as battle strategy. The Battle of Gettysburg is often said to be the turning point of the Civil War. This battle was a major win for the Union, as it shattered the confidence of the South, which led to the Union winning many more battles and eventually winning the war. Jeb Stuart was a failure at the Battle of Gettysburg because he arrived two days late and failed to inform Lee of the Union’s
He joined the Confederate army because he was from Virginia, a Confederate state. He had served in United States army for a few years prior to joining the Confederate army at the start of the Civil War. He began serving in the cavalry in 1855. He then helped Lee capture John Brown at Harper’s Ferry in 1859. When the Civil War began Stuart was appointed as leader of the 1st Virginia Cavalry (“James Ewell Brown Stuart” 1). Jeb Stuart quickly became an important member of the army. It is stated, “Stuart became one of the most skilled scouts and intelligence officers in the war” (“James Ewell Brown Stuart” 2). He distinguished his bravery at the First Battle of Bull Run. The next year he was promoted to major general and was put in command of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. Stuart also showed his bravery and leadership at the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Chancellorsville (“James Ewell Brown Stuart” 1-2). It is clear in The Killer Angels that Stuart was very important to Lee. Lee thinks, “Jackson was gone, Stuart would go, like leaves from autumn trees” (Shaara 74). Jackson was one of Lee’s most trusted
He was sure not to let down Lee again. He successfully managed his cavalry through 1863 and 1864. He was wounded during a battle at Yellow Tavern and died from his injuries two days later (“James Ewell Brown Stuart” 2) However, his significance before the battle of Gettysburg helps him to be well remembered. Stuart had a significant contribution to the Confederate success at the beginning of the war. He helped win many battles and was promoted to Major General and he was the leader of Lee’s successful cavalry (“James Ewell Brown Stuart” 1). His most significant victories were likely those at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He also provided Lee the information needed to win earlier battles (“Stuart, James Ewell Brown” 1). It was stated that Stuart was, “the model of Virginian cavaliers and dashing chieftain, whose name was a terror to the enemy, and familiar as a household word in two continents” (“The Late Gen.” 1) Overall, Jeb Stuart will be remembered as a Civil war hero. However, his failure at Gettysburg will not be forgotten. His failure to provide Lee with information on the Union army may be a main reason as to why the Confederates ended up losing the war. To conclude, Stuart’s failure at Gettysburg may be the most significant Confederate failure in the Civil