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

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis examines the human composition of the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, exploring their diverse backgrounds and the role of their commanding officer, Joshua Chamberlain, in their pivotal defense of Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg.

• The historical and strategic significance of the 20th Maine at the Battle of Gettysburg.
• The diverse composition of the regiment, including volunteers, mutineers, and foreign recruits.
• Joshua Chamberlain's leadership style and his role in the regiment's legendary bayonet charge.
• The broader context of Maine's military involvement and concerns regarding coastal vulnerability during the American Civil War.

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Summary of Chapters

Thesis Proposal: This chapter introduces the research focus on the 20th Maine Infantry's role at Gettysburg and outlines the sources used to investigate their composition and tactical impact.

Contextual Essay: This section provides a historical overview of the Battle of Gettysburg, framing it as an accidental engagement that fundamentally shifted the course of the American Civil War.

Literary Review: This chapter surveys the secondary sources, including monographs and journal articles, that inform the research on the 20th Maine and the leadership of Joshua Chamberlain.

Annotated bibliography: This chapter provides a critical evaluation of the primary and secondary sources, assessing their reliability and relevance to the research on the 20th Maine.

Thesis: This main body chapter analyzes the recruitment and composition of the 20th Maine, their strategic importance at Little Round Top, and their legacy within the American Civil War.

Secondary Sources: This section lists the scholarly works and monographs used to support the historical analysis presented in the thesis.

Primary Sources: This section details the contemporary letters, reports, and telegrams utilized to construct the empirical foundation of the study.

Keywords

Gettysburg, 20th Maine, American Civil War, Joshua Chamberlain, Little Round Top, Union Army, Maine volunteers, Alabama Brigade, military history, bayonet charge, coastal defense, regimental history, conflict, strategy, Union preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary subject of this thesis?

The thesis focuses on the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, examining their composition and their critical role in the Battle of Gettysburg, particularly their defense of Little Round Top.

What are the central themes of the work?

Key themes include the diverse makeup of the regiment, the leadership of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, the strategic importance of Little Round Top, and Maine's unique anxieties regarding coastal invasion during the Civil War.

What is the core research question?

The research investigates how a diverse, depleted unit of "rag-tag" volunteers came together to successfully hold the Union flank and influence the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Which research methods are employed?

The author utilizes a historical analysis of secondary sources, such as monographs and journal articles, alongside a primary source investigation of soldiers' letters, government correspondence, and official reports.

What topics are covered in the main body?

The main body covers the formation and composition of the 20th Maine, the broader context of Maine's coastal defense fears, the specific tactical actions taken at Little Round Top, and the long-term historical legacy of the regiment.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

Essential keywords include Gettysburg, 20th Maine, Joshua Chamberlain, Little Round Top, Union Army, Maine volunteers, and military strategy.

How did Maine's geographical location influence the regiment's motivation?

The author argues that Maine's proximity to British North America and fears of coastal invasion created a sense of state and regional security that motivated the volunteers more than traditional local pride.

What is the author's argument regarding the bayonet charge?

The author highlights the necessity and courage of the bayonet charge as a pivotal action that halted the Confederate attempt to flank the Union line, regardless of the exhausted state of the opposing forces.