The Battle of Gettysburg

The Decision-Making of General Robert E. Lee

By: Ryan Webb

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In June 1863, the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, moved north through the Shenandoah Valley and invaded Pennsylvania. Brewing with confidence after decisive victories at Fredericksburg in December 1862 and Chancellorsville in April 1863, Lee planned to draw out the Union army and destroy it on ground of his choosing. An aura of invincibility was in the air. A dramatic victory would expose Washington and perhaps lead to Southern secession. In fact, a letter suing for peace was to be placed on Lincoln’s desk following the annihilation of the Union army . . . However, the letter was never delivered. Instead, the Army of Northern Virginia suffered a severe blow that shattered Southern hopes for victory in the Civil War.