Killer Angel Character Focus Notes: Actions and Event Key Points + Turning Points

Robert E. Lee

Commander of the Confederate army and a brilliant tactician, admired in the South.

Battle of Gettysburg

A significant battle from July 1-3, 1863, marking a turning point in the Civil War.

Pickett's Charge

A disastrous assault by Confederate forces during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3.

Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain

Union officer known for his defense at Little Round Top.

Longstreet's Strategy

A suggestion for defensive tactics during the Gettysburg battle, opposed by Lee.

Billy Yank

A term representing Union soldiers during the Civil War, used often in literature.

J.E.B. Stuart

Confederate cavalry leader whose absence at Gettysburg caused confusion for Lee.

Thomas Chamberlain

Joshua's brother and aide, who struggles with the implications of battle.

General George Meade

Recent commander of Union forces arriving late at Gettysburg.

Little Round Top

Strategic high ground defended by Chamberlain's regiment during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Cemetery Hill

A strong defensive position occupied by Union troops during the battle.

Confederate Army

The armed forces of the Confederate States during the American Civil War.

Union Army

The armed forces of the Northern states fighting to preserve the Union.

Morale

The emotional or mental condition of a group, particularly in a military context.

Civil War

Conflict from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy).

Gettysburg Address

Famous speech by Abraham Lincoln commemorating the dead after the Battle of Gettysburg.

Artillery

Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land, significant in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Counterattack

A military attack made in response to an attack, as utilized by Union forces.

Casualties

Those killed, wounded, or missing in battle, a critical factor in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Cavalry

Troops trained to fight on horseback, such as Buford's units in the battle.

Morale of Confederate Army

High under Lee's presence, despite the post-battle realization of failure.

Fredericksburg battle

A previous engagement that influenced Longstreet's defensive strategies.

Reynolds’s Leadership

Union general whose effective positioning helped in early battles at Gettysburg.

Bayonet Charge

A desperate assault method used by Chamberlain when out of ammunition at Little Round Top.

Stonewall Jackson

Famed Confederate general whose death impacted Lee's leadership at Gettysburg.

Virginia Society

Social circles that favored Robert E. Lee and his military strategies.

Heart Trouble

Health issues faced by Lee, possibly contributing to his leadership decline.

Dispute between Lee and Longstreet

A significant conflict regarding battle strategy during the Gettysburg campaign.

General Pickett

Confederate general known for leading Pickett's Charge.

Visionary Policies

Longstreet’s modern tactics that contrasted with Lee's traditional strategies.

Union's Left Flank

The target of Longstreet's attack following Lee's strategy during Gettysburg.

Historical Interpretation

The analysis of events like Gettysburg through various perspectives, including military strategies.

Narrative Style

The way in which Shaara conveys the inner thoughts and perspectives of historical figures.

Scope of the Novel

Describes the events and figures involved in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Morale Boost from Lee

How Lee's presence and leadership inspired his troops, despite tactical failures.

Chamberlain as Citizen-Soldier

His role as an educated individual turned soldier representing the ideal American.

Confederate Morale Post-Pickett's Charge

The declining spirit of the Confederate army after heavy losses.

Artillery Barrage

Heavy bombardment used by Confederate forces as a prelude to Pickett's Charge.

Brigade

A unit of troops typically consisting of several regiments.

Aide to Longstreet

Assistance provided by Sorrel, a competent but unsociable aide.

Hood's Competence

The understanding and effective leadership of Longstreet's most capable soldier.

Ewell's Caution

General Ewell's hesitance to act on Lee's orders, contributing to Union defenses.

Insurgent Confederacy

The Southern states fighting to secede from the Union during the Civil War.

Strategic positions at Gettysburg

Vital high ground that determined the advantage in battle for both armies.

Chamberlain's Ethical Dilemma

His struggle between duty to his country and the safety of his brother in battle.

Ambrose Powell Hill

Union general who played a critical role in the early fighting at Gettysburg.

Pickett's Division Losses

Sixty percent reduction in forces during the charge at Gettysburg.

Culp's Hill

Another Union stronghold that plays a crucial role in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Narrative Tension

The interplay of strategies and personalities contributing to the conflict during the battle.

Dramatic Irony in the Novel

Readers' awareness of the battle's outcome contrasted with characters' hopes.

Union Retreat Strategy

The tactics employed by Union soldiers to maintain positions after facing aggression.

Longstreet’s Advanced Ideas

Tactics that anticipated changes in warfare, highlighting his forward-thinking.

Gettysburg's Aftermath

Reflections and mourning following an intense three-day conflict.

Realistic Expectations of War

Understanding the brutal realities faced by soldiers during battles.

Historical Figures in Fiction

Representation of real individuals like Lee and Chamberlain through fictional narratives.

Civilian Impact of War

The effects of military conflict on non-combatants and their views.