Mainiacs, shoes, and the accident that was Gettysburg. The historical role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment

Table of Contents

• Thesis Proposal
• Contextual Essay
• Literary Review
• Annotated bibliography
• Thesis
• Secondary Sources
• Primary Sources

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis aims to examine the role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg, focusing on the regiment's composition, leadership, and strategic importance. It challenges the conventional narrative surrounding Colonel Joshua Chamberlain's role in the famous bayonet charge. The thesis also explores the social and historical context of the regiment's members, many of whom were considered "undesirable" volunteers.

• The strategic importance of the 20th Maine's position at Little Round Top.
• The composition and background of the 20th Maine's soldiers.
• The leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his subordinates.
• The role of the 2nd Maine's mutineers in reinforcing the 20th Maine.
• The accidental nature of the Battle of Gettysburg's commencement.

Chapter Summaries

Thesis Proposal: This section introduces the central argument of the thesis, which explores the often-overlooked role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. It highlights the regiment's unique composition of "undesirable" volunteers and their crucial contribution to the Union victory. The proposal outlines the thesis's methodology, including the use of primary sources such as soldiers' diaries and letters, and secondary sources like journal articles and monographs. It sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the strategic importance of the 20th Maine's actions and the individual stories of the men who fought there. The accidental start of the battle, triggered by a skirmish over shoes, is also introduced as a key element.

Contextual Essay: This chapter provides historical context for the Battle of Gettysburg, emphasizing its pivotal role in the American Civil War and its lasting impact on American history and national identity. The essay discusses the Gettysburg Address and its immortalization of the battle's significance. It then introduces the thesis's surprising claim that the battle itself was accidental, originating from a minor skirmish between Confederate and Union soldiers scavenging for shoes. The chapter sets the stage for a more detailed examination of the events leading up to and including the battle.

Keywords

Battle of Gettysburg, 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Joshua Chamberlain, American Civil War, Little Round Top, "undesirable" volunteers, bayonet charge, military strategy, primary sources, secondary sources, accidental battle.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview

What is the main topic of this thesis?

This thesis examines the often-overlooked role of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. It focuses on the regiment's composition (including many "undesirable" volunteers), leadership (particularly Colonel Joshua Chamberlain), and strategic importance in the Union victory. The thesis challenges conventional narratives and explores the social and historical context of the regiment's members.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

Key themes include the strategic importance of the 20th Maine's position at Little Round Top; the composition and background of the regiment's soldiers; the leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his subordinates; the role of the 2nd Maine's mutineers in reinforcing the 20th Maine; and the accidental nature of the Battle of Gettysburg's commencement.

What sources are used in the thesis?

The thesis utilizes both primary sources (soldiers' diaries and letters) and secondary sources (journal articles and monographs) to support its arguments. This combination allows for a detailed and nuanced exploration of the topic.

What is the structure of the thesis?

The thesis is structured as follows: Thesis Proposal, Contextual Essay, Literary Review, Annotated Bibliography, Thesis, Secondary Sources, and Primary Sources. Each section contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the 20th Maine's role at Gettysburg.

What is the thesis proposal about?

The thesis proposal introduces the central argument, highlighting the unique composition of the 20th Maine and their crucial contribution to the Union victory. It outlines the methodology and sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the strategic importance of the regiment's actions and the individual stories of the men who fought.

What is covered in the contextual essay?

The contextual essay provides historical context for the Battle of Gettysburg, emphasizing its pivotal role in the American Civil War and its lasting impact. It introduces the surprising claim that the battle was accidental, starting with a minor skirmish over shoes, and sets the stage for a detailed examination of the events leading up to the battle.

What are some keywords associated with this thesis?

Keywords include: Battle of Gettysburg, 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Joshua Chamberlain, American Civil War, Little Round Top, "undesirable" volunteers, bayonet charge, military strategy, primary sources, secondary sources, accidental battle.

What is the significance of the "undesirable" volunteers?

The thesis explores the unique composition of the 20th Maine, which included many "undesirable" volunteers. Their inclusion and contributions challenge traditional narratives of the battle and highlight the diverse nature of the Union army.

How does this thesis challenge conventional narratives?

The thesis challenges conventional narratives by focusing on the often-overlooked role of the 20th Maine and by highlighting the accidental nature of the Battle of Gettysburg's start, emphasizing the role of a minor skirmish over shoes.

What is the role of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain in this thesis?

The thesis examines the leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his subordinates, challenging conventional narratives surrounding his role in the famous bayonet charge at Little Round Top.