The Battle Of The Civil War - 1245 Words

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, determined the condition of the United States. The Southern slave states, also known as the Confederate States of America upon their secession from the country, attempted to keep the system of slavery alive for as long as possible. Many combats were fought during this four-year period; specifically, the battle in the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania from July 1st – 3rd, 1863, proved to be a pivotal turning point in the war. Author Henry Pfanz describes the battle in great detail in his historical analysis, Gettysburg: The First Day, examining the choices and costs made by both the Union Army of the Potomac and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. The vital decisions made during†¦show more content†¦To Buford’s credit, his defensive skills proved to be paramount that morning. Leading multiple brigades, he successfully defended his men against Confederate forces: â€Å"Though the cavalry’s morn ing battle was essential to the Union success at Gettysburg, it seems not to have been the knock-down, drag-out fight that some of the cavalrymen claimed it to be†. Arguably, Buford also understood the land of Gettysburg better than any other general. He recognized the importance of high ground around Gettysburg; the hills were perfect for his advantage. More importantly, he recognized that if Confederate forces seized said hills in the adjacent land, Meade and the Union Army of the Potomac would not stand a chance. To prevent such disaster, Buford’s brigades set up camps west of Seminary Ridge. His personal headquarters, the Eagle Hotel, intersected Chambersburg and Washington streets in the northeast corner. Pfanz suggests that the people of Gettysburg even felt safe with Buford in their incidence: â€Å"Although they [people of Gettysburg] had seen Confederate campfires on South Mountain and had a near visit by Pettigrew’s brigade, the presence of Buford†™s troopers gave them a sense of security†. Buford’s excellent defensive strategies reflected the performance of his troops, and thus, saved the Union I Corps from potential obliteration by rebel forces for days to come. Initially,