The Little Round Top Legend
The Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain may not have commanded a great army like William Sherman or steered a warship into battle like David Farragut. He wasn’t even elected president based on his Civil War record like Ulysses Grant. However, Chamberlain has become an iconic figure among Civil War enthusiasts, particularly those who consider the battle of Gettysburg to be the war’s defining moment.
A Desperate Gamble
On the second day of the battle, a determined Confederate attack threatened to overwhelm the Union forces on Little Round Top, a wooded hill. It was Chamberlain and his regiment, the 20th Maine Volunteers, who stood in the way. Running low on ammunition, Chamberlain made a bold decision: he ordered his men to fix bayonets and charge downhill at the Confederates, catching them off guard. Against all odds, it worked. Little Round Top was saved, and with it, the battle of Gettysburg and possibly the Union itself.
Presumption is the key word here. For decades after the battle, Union veteran organizations chose to meet on Cemetery Hill, not Little Round Top, considering it the crucial military position. However, in 1957, John J. Pullen’s The Twentieth Maine: A Volunteer Regiment in the Civil War brought Chamberlain and Little Round Top back into the spotlight. This resurgence continued with Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels in 1974, which was later adapted into the film Gettysburg. Chamberlain’s image became iconic, adorning keychains, t-shirts, and Christmas ornaments.
A Legacy of Books
Chamberlain’s newfound fame also led to a surge in books about his life. Authors like Alice Rains Trulock, Diana Loski, Ed Longacre, John Pullen, Tom Desjardin, Brian Swartz, and Ronald C. White all contributed to the growing Chamberlain literature. White’s On Great Fields takes Chamberlain worship to new heights, praising his postwar efforts to foster reconciliation between the North and South.
A Multifaceted Historian
Ronald C. White, the author of On Great Fields, has had a diverse career as a historian. While he initially focused on the history of the Social Gospel, he gained public recognition with his book Lincoln’s Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural. White went on to write acclaimed biographies of Lincoln and Grant before delving into Chamberlain’s life.
White’s narrative of Chamberlain’s life covers all the major points, from his New England Puritan roots to his service in the Union Army and his subsequent political and academic career. However, there have always been questions surrounding Chamberlain’s legacy. His terms as governor of Maine were unremarkable, and he played no significant role in Reconstruction. His business ventures failed, and his marriage was fraught with difficulties.
A Controversial Figure
While White admires Chamberlain, he acknowledges the criticisms leveled against him. Veterans of the 20th Maine accused Chamberlain of vanity and dishonesty in his attempts to portray himself as a heroic figure. Furthermore, William Marvel has challenged Chamberlain’s claims in The Passing of the Armies regarding his role in the surrender parade at Appomattox.
Despite these controversies, Chamberlain’s fame persists, largely due to his portrayal in fiction and film. However, it remains unclear why Chamberlain receives such adulation. White, not a military historian, provides a limited account of the Gettysburg battle and overlooks the dramatic events of Pickett’s Charge. Gaps in Chamberlain’s own records also leave room for speculation.
A Fragile Reputation
After Chamberlain’s death, he was largely forgotten until the novel and film brought him back into the public consciousness. However, these may not be the most substantial foundations for his lasting legacy.
On Great Fields: The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain by Ronald C. White is a comprehensive exploration of Chamberlain’s life and impact. While Chamberlain’s reputation may be subject to debate, his story continues to captivate and inspire.
Allen C. Guelzo is director of the Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship in Princeton University’s James Madison Program and author of Robert E. Lee: A Life.
What was Joshua Chamberlain’s famous quote?
In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Range of topics, from his early years as a professor at Bowdoin College to his military service during the Civil War and his postwar political career. White explores the complexities of Chamberlain’s character, highlighting his leadership skills, bravery, and determination on the battlefield, as well as his commitment to equality and reconciliation after the war.
Chamberlain’s remarkable actions at Gettysburg, particularly his defense of Little Round Top, have been widely praised and studied. His strategic thinking and quick decision-making in the face of overwhelming odds turned the tide of the battle and became a turning point in the war. Chamberlain’s heroism and bravery are celebrated not only by military historians but also by a wider audience who appreciate his role in preserving the Union.
Chamberlain’s legacy extends beyond his military achievements. As White explores, Chamberlain’s commitment to reconciliation and equality in the postwar years set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He believed in the power of education and advocated for the rights of African Americans, even serving as the Governor of Maine during Reconstruction. His efforts to heal the wounds of war and promote unity among the American people are commendable and continue to inspire.
The enduring popularity of Chamberlain’s story can be attributed to a number of factors. His actions at Gettysburg, coupled with his postwar endeavors, embody the values and ideals that many Americans hold dear: bravery, sacrifice, and a commitment to justice and equality. Chamberlain’s story resonates with people from all walks of life and serves as a reminder of the power of individual actions to shape history.
In conclusion, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain may not have attained the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, but his unlikely heroism and lasting impact on American history cannot be denied. From his defense of Little Round Top to his dedication to reconciliation and equality in the aftermath of the Civil War, Chamberlain’s story is one of courage, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the principles upon which the United States was founded. His legacy continues to inspire and his story serves as a testament to the power of individual actions in shaping the course of history.
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