Killer Angels Reflections

The Civil War was one of the nation’s bloodiest wars in history, and there is so much more to it than the average person knows. “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara does a fantastic job of ‘opening the doors’ into the true struggles of the Civil War. The book begins from a spy’s perspective, on his way to Longstreet to inform him of the Union Army’s position. The news caught Longstreet off guard because General Stuart was supposed to be on the lookout for the Union Army. It takes a while for him to convince his colleagues that they need to trust this spy because most of them want do not believe that Stuart would leave them blind as he gallivants around, getting publicity in the north. Longstreet decides to trust the spy and moves towards Gettysburg. At this point, the generals have no idea of the violent battle that is about to take place in Gettysburg. Meanwhile, Colonel Chamberlain is informed that men disbanded from the Old Second Maine. These men have decided not to fight in protest. Chamberlain delivers a very inspiring speech, and great detail is given describing his excellent speech giving skills. All but six of the men decide to join Twentieth Maine. Longstreet is completely astounded by this, but grateful. On the morning of July 1st, Stuart is still nowhere to be found. Stuart is very important to the Confederate Army; he is their eyes when it comes to knowing the location of the Union Army. Meanwhile, the battle at Gettysburg begins when the Confederates attack Buford’s men. Day one at Gettysburg ends with the Union retreat into the hills. This makes Longstreet anxious; hills are very good defensive positions. Though they should swing around to attack from behind, he knows that is not what General Lee wants to do. The next day, Chamberlain wakes up and his regiment begins moving towards Gettysburg. They run into an escaped slave on the way, and Chamberlain ponders his feelings towards the war and race. Chamberlain’s regiment is put on Little Round Top as