Gary W. Gallagher - Civil War Turning Points
Short Summary:
This lecture by Dr. Gary Gallagher challenges the common perception that the year 1863 marked a decisive turning point in the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. He argues that while these battles were significant victories for the Union, the popular memory of 1863 as the war's pivotal year is an example of the "aptic syndrome"—a tendency to work backward from the known outcome to interpret the past. Gallagher contrasts this popular memory with a more nuanced historical analysis, highlighting the ongoing political and military struggles in both the Union and Confederacy throughout 1863. He emphasizes the importance of Ulysses S. Grant's victories in the West, particularly Vicksburg, and the crucial role of Robert E. Lee's army in maintaining Confederate morale, arguing that Grant's eventual appointment as General-in-Chief, rather than the events of 1863 alone, ultimately led to Union victory. The lecture utilizes diary entries and historical analysis to support its claims.
Detailed Summary:
The lecture is divided into several sections:
1. Introduction and the Power of Memory: The lecture begins by acknowledging the widespread belief that 1863 was the Civil War's turning point, largely due to the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Gallagher introduces the concept of the "aptic syndrome," where historical events are interpreted backward from the known outcome, leading to a skewed understanding of the past. He emphasizes the difference between history (what actually happened) and memory (how we remember it), arguing that memory often shapes our understanding more than objective historical facts. Examples of this aptic syndrome are given, including popular novels, documentaries (Ken Burns' The Civil War), and even the movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
2. 1863: Memory vs. History: This section directly contrasts the popular memory of 1863 with a historical analysis. Gallagher points out that while Gettysburg and Vicksburg were significant victories, they didn't immediately end the war. He cites Confederate diary entries, such as Josiah Gorgas' initial despair followed by renewed optimism, to illustrate the fluctuating morale and perceptions within the Confederacy. The lecture also highlights the ongoing political turmoil in both the Union and Confederacy in 1863, including the Emancipation Proclamation, conscription, and the New York City draft riots.
3. Military Events of 1863: This section provides a detailed overview of the major military campaigns of 1863, dividing them into three periods: Confederate successes (January-May), the decisive Union shift (June-July), and the final phase (summer-fall). Gallagher emphasizes the importance of the Western Theater, particularly Grant's victories at Vicksburg and Chattanooga, arguing that Vicksburg's strategic importance was overstated in popular memory. He contrasts the scale of casualties in 1863 with those of 1862 and 1864, showing that 1863 was not the bloodiest year of the war. The significance of Grant's consistent successes in the West is highlighted as a crucial factor in his eventual appointment as General-in-Chief. The role of Lee's army in maintaining Confederate morale and the impact of Chancellorsville on Lee's leadership are also discussed.
4. The Importance of Grant and Lee: This section focuses on the long-term consequences of the actions of Grant and Lee. Gallagher argues that Grant's victories positioned him to become General-in-Chief, a pivotal role in securing Union victory. He also emphasizes the crucial role of Lee's army in bolstering Confederate morale and prolonging the war. The battle of Chancellorsville is highlighted as a key moment in solidifying Lee's and his army's position as the central institution of the Confederacy.
5. Conclusion and Q&A: The lecture concludes by reiterating that neither Union victory nor emancipation was guaranteed at the end of 1863. The Q&A session addresses several important aspects, including the impact of Stonewall Jackson's absence at Gettysburg, the role of Southern women in the Confederacy's downfall, the importance of Sherman's March to the Sea, and the significance of the Confederate peace delegation in the movie Lincoln. Gallagher also clarifies his preference for using "United States" and "Confederacy" over "Union" and "Confederate," emphasizing the nature of the conflict as a war between two distinct nation-states. The discussion also covers the role of General George Thomas and the potential outcome of a treason trial for Robert E. Lee.
Notable Quotes:
- "History and memory are two very different things."
- "Josiah Gorgas... 'one brief month ago we were apparently at the point of success... yesterday we rode on the pinnacle of success, today absolute ruin seems to be our portion.'"
- "My God, my God, what will the country say?" (Lincoln's reaction to Hooker's retreat)
- "I do not believe you appreciate the magnitude of misfortune involved in Lee's escape." (Lincoln's letter to Meade)
- "Lee's army appears to be nearly in its original good condition." (Gorgas' later diary entry)
- "The war will be prolonged indefinitely." (Lincoln's assessment after Gettysburg)
- "I believe nothing one way or the other until further word is received." (Confederate officer in 1864)
- "A great battle is rumored in Virginia... the invincible Lee." (Kate Stone's diary entry)
The lecture employs a comparative analysis of historical accounts and popular memory, using primary source materials (diary entries) to support its arguments and challenge conventional wisdom. The detailed discussion of military campaigns and political contexts provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the Civil War in 1863.