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The Battle of Gettysburg
Turn the page and take a step back in time! From the Stories From History series, The Battle of Gettysburg takes a completely factual look at this famous, and unforgettable battle of the Civil War. This book is presented in a fast-paced, edgy graphic novel format including bright, action-packed scenes. Even though the Civil War lasted for another two years, America’s future was sealed by the outcome of those three days in Gettysburg. Gettysburg was a defining moment in the history of America, and this book brings the tale to life! The Battle of Gettysburg is sure to capture any reader’s attention and turn even the most casual reader into a history buff! • Full-Color illustrations • Fact boxes • Timeline, glossary, and index Tales from the past meet modern-day storytelling! Epic battles, secret plots, and brave warriors await readers in the nonfiction Stories From History series . Discover history in a fast-paced format, taking readers right to the action! History has never been this exciting! Check out the other titles in this series!
48 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2006
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About the author
Colin Hynson
83 books2 followersColin Hynson worked in museum and heritage education, including the Science Museum in London, before becoming a children’s and educational writer. He has written more than thirty nonfiction books for young people. He has also been a scriptwriter, appeared on radio and television, and written for the Guardian, the Times Educational Supplement, BBC History magazine, and various computing magazines.
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June 9, 2022
This volume in the ticktock graphic non-fiction series 'the story of ...' presents a colourful approach to historical events surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg that took place over three days, 1, 2 and 3 July 1863. The battle consisted of a series of engagements that saw heavy losses sustained by both sides, 23,000 on the Union side and 25,000 on the Confederate side. It is said to mark the turning point of the American Civil War as the Confederate troops retreated as a well defeated army. General Robert E Lee told his officers that they had no alternative as there were not enough troops to continue the battle, so the retreat was ordered.
Colin Hynson's narrative in picture form begins with the background to the slavery question with the southerners saying such as 'Of course we need our slaves. They work in our fields and homes. We treat them well. We provide them with food and somewhere to live' while the northerners' view was 'Manufacturing that's the future of this country. And free labour. We don't need slaves in our factories.'
The views of the south and north were diametrically opposed so when Abraham Lincoln became president in 1860, most of southern states left the United States. And once the first major battle had taken place at Bull Run on 21 July 1861 the Civil War had begun. Although many onlookers did not realise the seriousness of the battle for ordinary people supporting the Union soldiers were looking on enjoying their picnics! However, when the Union troops were driven back straight through the ranks of shocked civilians they quickly realised that things were more serious than they at first thought!
After many battles with fluctuating fortunes, General Lee moved his troops northwards towards the small town of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania to meet General Meade's union army; the two sides first came face-to-face on 30 June when Confederate troops searching for supplies entered the town. Thereafter the main battles took place at McPherson's Ridge, Cemetery Hill, Seminary Ridge and
Cemetery Ridge. At MacPherson's, the Confederates took a decisive advantage when the Union's General Reynolds was shot after which 60% of his men were killed in the battle that followed.
On the following day Major-General Winfield Hancock brought order back to what might have been a chaotic retreat by the Union soldiers and although the Confederates took Little Round Top on Cemetery Ridge they were unable to maintain their position and at Big Round Top the Unionists triumphed and the Confederates retreated.
Then on the third day, General Lee introduced General Pickett into the attack so as to re-take the initiative. But it did not work as artillery and gunfire rained down on the advancing Confederates. And then when General Kemper rode forward to urge his troops on, he was shot and severely wounded and that signalled a loss of all discipline and the Confederates were done for, even though they reached the Union lines. At this point Union soldiers arrived to support their artillery and the Confederates retreated, leaving over 1000 soldiers either dead or wounded.
On 4 July General Lee admitted defeat to his officers and two months later Lee met General Grant to formally accept his surrender although it would take almost two more years of struggle and slaughter, before Lee would finally surrender to Grant at Appomattox to end the bloodiest conflict that was the American Civil War.
As well as the story of the battle, the author presents a useful 'Timeline of Gettysburg' which not only covers the events of those three days but puts them into context of the war as a whole. He also gives an interesting little 'Do you know' section of the war and a glossary of terms. These all add to the enjoyment that this fascinating and well presented account brings to the reader.
Colin Hynson's narrative in picture form begins with the background to the slavery question with the southerners saying such as 'Of course we need our slaves. They work in our fields and homes. We treat them well. We provide them with food and somewhere to live' while the northerners' view was 'Manufacturing that's the future of this country. And free labour. We don't need slaves in our factories.'
The views of the south and north were diametrically opposed so when Abraham Lincoln became president in 1860, most of southern states left the United States. And once the first major battle had taken place at Bull Run on 21 July 1861 the Civil War had begun. Although many onlookers did not realise the seriousness of the battle for ordinary people supporting the Union soldiers were looking on enjoying their picnics! However, when the Union troops were driven back straight through the ranks of shocked civilians they quickly realised that things were more serious than they at first thought!
After many battles with fluctuating fortunes, General Lee moved his troops northwards towards the small town of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania to meet General Meade's union army; the two sides first came face-to-face on 30 June when Confederate troops searching for supplies entered the town. Thereafter the main battles took place at McPherson's Ridge, Cemetery Hill, Seminary Ridge and
Cemetery Ridge. At MacPherson's, the Confederates took a decisive advantage when the Union's General Reynolds was shot after which 60% of his men were killed in the battle that followed.
On the following day Major-General Winfield Hancock brought order back to what might have been a chaotic retreat by the Union soldiers and although the Confederates took Little Round Top on Cemetery Ridge they were unable to maintain their position and at Big Round Top the Unionists triumphed and the Confederates retreated.
Then on the third day, General Lee introduced General Pickett into the attack so as to re-take the initiative. But it did not work as artillery and gunfire rained down on the advancing Confederates. And then when General Kemper rode forward to urge his troops on, he was shot and severely wounded and that signalled a loss of all discipline and the Confederates were done for, even though they reached the Union lines. At this point Union soldiers arrived to support their artillery and the Confederates retreated, leaving over 1000 soldiers either dead or wounded.
On 4 July General Lee admitted defeat to his officers and two months later Lee met General Grant to formally accept his surrender although it would take almost two more years of struggle and slaughter, before Lee would finally surrender to Grant at Appomattox to end the bloodiest conflict that was the American Civil War.
As well as the story of the battle, the author presents a useful 'Timeline of Gettysburg' which not only covers the events of those three days but puts them into context of the war as a whole. He also gives an interesting little 'Do you know' section of the war and a glossary of terms. These all add to the enjoyment that this fascinating and well presented account brings to the reader.
Displaying 1 of 1 review