The Killer Angels Summary

The narrative is centered on the Battle of Gettysburg which occurred in July 1863 and was a pivotal event in the American Civil War. The conflict involved the Confederate army, led by General Robert E. Lee and his second in command General James Longstreet, pitted against the Union army under the leadership of figures such as Union Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain. The war was predominantly fought in and around a small town named Gettysburg, with key moments of the battle occurring on the Little Round Top.

The story is ignited when a spy informs Longstreet of the Union army's movements, necessitating a swift northward advance by the Confederates. Concurrently, Colonel Chamberlain integrates mutineers from another Maine regiment into his own, persuading most to continue in the fight. The imminent clash becomes clear to Union cavalry leader General John Buford, who strategically positions his troops on higher grounds for an advantage. As the battle unfolds, Longstreet proposes defensive tactics, aiming to come between the Union army and Washington, D.C. However, Lee insists on a more aggressive approach, aiming for a single decisive strike against the Union.

The battle reaches its climax when the Confederate attack on Buford's men commences, resulting in the Union forces retreating into the hills surrounding Gettysburg. Despite Longstreet's concerns, Lee pushes for a continued attack rather than repositioning their forces. The second day brings further carnage as the Confederate forces attack the Union’s flanks, resulting in heavy losses. Chamberlain's regiment, now at Gettysburg, is sent to hold Little Round Top, which they do successfully with a frenzying bayonet charge. By the third day, Lee still refuses to change tactics, even after Longstreet warns him of their impending defeat. The final Confederate assault, led by Pickett, ends disastrously, signaling the end of the Battle of Gettysburg.