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The Killer Angels : The Stratagem That Never Was


            In The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, war strategy plays a prominent role throughout the battles. It was very essential in determining the outcome of the fights. Robert E. Lee was the most well known tactician at the time. Both sides wanted him not because of his great looks, but his strategy of war. He could win battles that were impossible, he could overcome any army no matter how outnumbered he was. Both armies used different types of strategies, some more complex and time consuming than others. The Battle of Gettysburg tested the strategies of both armies and they both used geographic terrain to help them, which became a crucial factor in the outcome of the battle. .
             The first day of battle was the most decisive conflict; it determined who would control the high lands. General Buford of the Union Calvary was intelligent enough to see that elevated terrain is a key factor in winning the battle. He decided what terrain he wanted to fight on, knowing he must defend the high ground at all costs. Buford already knew of the advantages of choosing the high lands as a battlefield. He says, ""The whole damn Reb army's going to be here in the morning. They"ll move right through town and occupy those damned hills-" Buford pointed angrily-"because one thing Lee ain't is a fool, and when our people get here Lee will have the high ground and there"ll be the devil to pay"" (38). No matter how outnumbered he was, he had to stall the Confederate Army from advancing therefore allowing the Union Infantry to take the high ground.
             General Lee knows that his army is not effective unless they are concentrated. Lee is left in the dark as to the whereabouts of the enemy; the Confederate cavalry had run off, leaving the army blind as a bat. ""There should have been something from Stuart. There should have been. Stuart would not have left us blind"" (14). Lee could not set up his troops or engage, he did not know the strength of the enemy or where they were positioned.


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