Battle of Gettysburg: why J.E.B. Stuart ends up in Carlisle

[@matthewdimeola7540]

I always wondered why Stuart did not play a bigger role at Gettysburg, the details of the story are amazing! Great Job!

[@atpg5]

Trump "WOW"

[@no-barknoonan1335]

​@@atpg5What does your politician of choice have to do with J.E.B. Stuart and Gettysburg?

[@atpg5]

@@no-barknoonan1335 Trump "Wow just WoW"

[@McNair39thNC]

@@no-barknoonan1335 you know how those Trump fart sniffers are, they just randomly say shit! 🤣

[@3storiesUp]

You have got to admire the passion and enthusiasm with which this wonderful history is told by Steve. Thanks man. Loved it !!!!

[@Skerdy]

This might be the best lecture I've ever seen... this guy not only knows how to tell a story, but you can feel his passion.

[@mindbomb9341]

I agree completely!

[@MarcosElMalo2]

It’s interesting how his energy, his body language, and his gestures emphasize his words rather than distract from them. I was thoroughly enthralled by his storytelling, from the background and context and then the personality issues that left Lee blind at Gettysburg. (I’m also impressed that he squeezed it into a little less than a half hour.)

[@spikespa5208]

Pity the camera operator didn't know there was a projection screen behind him.

[@BiggusDikkus73]

This is still my favorite lecture ever. I found it in high school, and im nearly 28. Ive always wanted to meet this guy. My friends call me the most diplomatic confederate they've ever met. We moved north, and I've done well keeping this energy on the topic in debate without turning on my heritage nor hiding it. Thank you, sir.

[@tk-ix5lw]

First of all, I am infatuated with the civil war; this guy is fantastic and as I read a moment ago from another comment, he knows how to tell a story. I already knew the economic factors and lack of materials and men that plagued the South. Steve Knott really explained in great detail what happened in Gettysburg; I would absolutely love to sit down and talk to this guy, and could listen to him every day and never tire.GREAT JOB STEVE!! I hope they pay you fantastic money there, it is well deserved.

[@danielaggeler9263]

Thank you Mr. Knott, this is as complete and understandable an explanation of the whole of this battle that is not covered in any literature or media sources I have seen. I am more informed about this topic than before.

[@DavidRamirez-ww5kv]

I have heard several lectures on the Gettysburg Campaign. This is the best and most pragmatic assessment of the events leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg I have heard. Very insightful, I wish I could heard the full presentation. As a student of history, This man knows what he is talking about.

[@karlburkhalter1502]

David Ramirez he is a clueless dweeb. Has no clue about cavalry mission or method.

[@A1Authority]

*HEADS UP CIVIL WAR HISTORIANS!* As of this notification, see what *WIKIPEDIA* has posted as a Confederate Flag!!! It's an SJW nightmare, and you have reason to hound them, big-time! For those of us who hold the lives and the reasons the war was fought as sacred or worthy of respect, this is proof that WIKIPEDIA is a biased, unreliable, history-bending pile of shit. *Rally, men and sisters of the cause!* A wrong needs righting!!!

[@lordprivateer4965]

Could you explain further?

[@kvltizt]

@Andrew Layton The kind of person that calls experts " clueless dweebs " is generally sufferng from the Dunning-kruger effect wherein those who have less knowledge of a subject tend to have the loudest and more arrogant opinions regarding the topic.

[@250txc]

He called Lee personally a terrorist and said Lee set the war strategy for the south, same as modern day terrorists? Why would you smooch this guy? He smooched you with that southern accent line and sorry, I hear no southern accent; What an easy crowd most of you are to smooch that guy -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHS0iqqufsirn6s

[@josephcamm9374]

Wow, this is, by far, the greatest explanation of the Gettysburg campaign I've ever seen/heard (even after having read multiple books on the subject). The presentation fills in many of the gaps in my knowledge, especially about Lee's strategic mindset at the time. Brilliant stuff! Thank you Mr Knott!

[@Inquisitor6321]

Those little details - the inter-personal relationships and jealousies - although insignificant footnotes, they played a BIG role in the outcome of one of the most important battles of the war. I love the details!!! I often wonder about this in the ranks of the Wehrmacht in WWII how many battles went awry because of similar circumstances.

[@sofly7634]

@Inquisitor---you can believe big egos helped defeat them---their worship of aryan supremacy, know it all, etc

[@radamus210]

I wish I had teachers like this guy- He would have me on the edge of my seat all day

[@StephenPaulTroup]

What a fantastic presentation! I have been a civil war buff my entire life and did not understand the real reason for Stuart's actions in this campaign. I want to hear this guy speak more!

[@karlburkhalter1502]

Stephen Troup but he is wrong about so much i wouldnt waste my time.

[@StephenPaulTroup]

Could you waste a little time and tell us what he is wrong about and why?

[@karlburkhalter1502]

Who he left with Lee was irrelevant since he thought Mosby, Stringfellow or Conrad was available to contact the spies in Union HQ, This information had been vital in all previous campaigns. Lee needed Stuart in his role as espionage Chief, not cavalryman. If you miss that, you miss everything.

[@StephenPaulTroup]

"Who he left with Lee is irrelevant"...That is a ridiculous statement. Assigning 2 corp of inexperienced cavalry on an invasion of enemy territory and leaving your experienced corps behind to guard supplies is simply bad strategy no matter who you are. "He thought..." That's sloppy planning on Stuart's part (assuming your point is correct)) to let his plan depend on "He thought..."

[@karlburkhalter1502]

Stephen Troup they were not inexperienced at all, they were very battle hardened veterans, just militia, border guards like Mosby and Niel, you are the inexperienced one, read a few books on CSA Cav. before playing in the big league.

[@wlh227]

Perhaps the best presentation that I have hear in my 75 years on the lead-up to the Battle of Gettysburg. Very informative.

[@ddjay1363]

It's good to see a historian animated and speaking with passion.

[@bobgilbert7362]

The lecturer, Steve Knott, is a very accomplished speaker and historian.

[@devilsadvocate5817]

Great presentation, especially in defining the Clausewtizian utility of will and its utmost importance.

[@TheKenPrescott]

Given some of the silliness that was going on in some of the units I was in during the final years of the Cold War, I am profoundly thankful that we didn't go to war with that leadership roster. A fascinating presentation.

[@mountainmanws]

I just blundered into this presentation. Magnificent! An animated, enthusiastic, and well-written class. This presentation needs to be seen by every high school student studying (If they still are studying American History) the American Civil War. I do agree with Blaze Callahan. Would have been nice to see the map. Thank you for posting.

[@Belongia77]

Steve Knott was one of my favorite teachers in High School! Great teacher, coach, person and friend!

[@thedryingco]

Steve would have the same passion for this subject on a street corner or anywhere that you spoke with him. This is the right person for The War College.

[@realmikesally]

Excellent lecture! At once educational and highly entertaining. Thank you!

[@johnr7279]

Awesome video and starts off good right away. The way he is presenting information makes the history interesting and puts things into context. I remember when the History Channel used to be like that. This presentation would make a great program there!

[@retepish]

I would like to see the whole presentation.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Tremendous lecture. The opening on Lee's war aims helps explain why he was so headstrong about giving battle at Gettyburg instead of threatening Washington as Longstreet recommended. Similarly why he committed to Pickett's attack - all due to his obsession with obliterating the Army of the Potomac. This presentation is a nice adjunct to Chernow's excellent new biography on Grant. Well done, Mr Knott.

[@philipstanton1597]

I really love this lecture. I'd like to hear more from Capt Steven W Knott, but I can only find lectures by Dr Steven F Knott, a different historian. Anyone know where I can find more?

[@ty9884]

Me, too. I'm a fan.

[@jazzjackson9875]

I’m sorry…. I do Knott

[@ty9884]

@@jazzjackson9875 Go sit in the corner and think about what you said.

[@michaelknight4041]

I knew a guy whos name was JB Stuart. On his driver's license application he wrote his name as "J" only "B" only Stuart but when he got his license it said Jonly Bonly Stuart.

[@superspectator123]

Great video. The battle finally makes sense to me. Thank you.

[@georgiamule]

Very informative and enjoyable. Makes me reevaluate my admiration for Gen Stuart.

[@PolymerFlute]

This is the best presentation on the Civil War I have seen. Thanks for posting.

[@philidox]

As a U.S. military officer he was 100% correct about officer putting their rivarly above the greater good. Hell, I've done it myself without even noticing it but that's how people are and officers are no different.

[@rz52608]

Fantastic. Thank you. I've armchair studied the American Civil War my entire life and have never gotten the answer to "why" Lee continually attacked an above-average defensive position and didn't alter his plan (particularly on Day 3). I could never understand WHY he ignored Longstreet and all these battle-hardened vetarans that knew what they were doing and were very capable of reading a battlefield.

[@MegaRebel100]

zeer zeer goed gebracht en uitgelegd dank voor de upload groet uit Holland u weet wel daar waar Longstreet van daan kwam

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

ive listenned to this 3 or 4 times.. this gentleman is brilliant.. not all his conclusions are correct..but he knows his business.. hes about 95% correct here on lee and 100% correct on human nature

[@michaelpedersen5913]

The beginning of this lecture is so good, this guy can end all misconceptions about the war

[@mindbomb9341]

Amazing talk and energy Mr. Knott!!!! The only tragedy here is that I can't find the part of the talk by Dr. Sommers. :( And there isn't enough of you on KZbin either Mr. Knott.

[@james6495]

EXCELLENT presentation! I'd love to hear the full version!

[@philipwolf3619]

Remakably insightful !! So glad Steve Knott is on our side. So right about "who's who in the zoo."

[@HambonesAdventures]

One of Sun Tzu’s first teachings is exactly what the professor started off with. 👍🏽 love this professor Ive learned so much. This is my favorite channel. i enjoy comparing the professors lectures to Sun Tzu’s teachings. One of My questions on today’s lecture is for the professor. Gen Longstreet “Lee’s old war horse” suggested to Lee several times that they regroup so to gain better ground also Stuart “the eyes of the confederate army” had finally arrived that being said why did Lee one of the greatest most beloved generals decide to attack the center? Do you think he really believed his army was invincible? Love your lectures keep posting thank you sir. Hampton Y

[@blazecal]

Nice presentation but frustrating to not see the map!

[@dave9564]

or split

[@joeahearn4413]

Seeing the maps would help make the lecture clearer for folks who haven't studied this campaign.

[@WelshRabbit]

Just so. The camera followed Capt. Knott (USN) so carefully keeping centered on him while ignoring what Knott was trying to show on the map. It's like the cameraman was told "follow the speaker no matter what," to which he dutifully obeyed -- with his actions completely devoid of judgment and personal initiative.

[@A1Authority]

*HEADS UP CIVIL WAR HISTORIANS!* As of this notification, see what *WIKIPEDIA* has posted as a Confederate Flag!!! It's an SJW nightmare, and you have reason to hound them, big-time! For those of us who hold the lives and the reasons the war was fought as sacred or worthy of respect, this is proof that WIKIPEDIA is a biased, unreliable, history-bending pile of shit. *Rally, men and sisters of the cause!* A wrong needs righting!!!

[@WelshRabbit]

Don W, of course it is generally known that Wikipedia is just a do-it-yourself encyclopaedia. It is representative only of the last wise and learned expert -- or obnoxious & ignorant buffoon, to touch it. Wikipedia articles are sometimes superb. Sometimes they are just a pile of worthless detritus.

[@daveycrocket4873]

The guy with the camera is excellent at keeping the camera on his smiling face. But is extremely terrible showing us what he's talking about on the big screen.

[@7936Barry]

As an experienced camera person I noticed this right away. An expert single-camera shooter in this situation would show the viewer what the speaker was talking about once it became clear the viewer would want to see it for himself... perhaps even keeping the speaker in the frame, but not necessarily if close-ups were needed. There's a chance the camera person expected the maps and drawings would be edited in later to show what he failed to show. Otherwise push in to show the maps, pull back when you had a good look and could understand what was being spoken about. It takes awhile to develop the instinct of what to do when you're running a one-camera setup.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

⁠@@7936Barry I think you’re correct that the camera person expected that the slides would be edited in, and that he made the choice to focus attention on the dynamic presentation by Steve Knott. I disagree that zooming in and out is a very good solution in this case. The wide shot will lose a lot of the vitality of this particular speaker and the zoom in (or out) will actually be distracting at a visceral level. Zooms (again, imho) are best used judiciously, intentionally, and with choreography, to emphasize a dramatic moment. It’s a weak compromise to zoom in and out over the course of a monologue to show context, especially if you’re expecting the addition of slides during editing. In this case, acting on the fly, when do you zoom in on the speaker to emphasize the right moment or zoom out for a better view of the map? That’s what I mean about choreography. The cameraman was faced with a choice, and (imho), made the strongest choice to create a more impactful video for a lay audience. I realize this is unsatisfactory for some members of the audience, but the truth is that if they are interested enough to see graphical representations of troop movements, they can find them and compare them to the presentation (especially because Steve Knott was giving dates for the activities). As for the end result, sure I would have liked a better view of the maps. But even more, I appreciate prioritizing the capture of Knott’s energetic delivery, his body language and gestures, and his mannerisms. It’s a more powerful presentation and we (or I, at least) am more focused on his words and the story he is telling. If you feel strongly the opposite, might I make a humble suggestion? You might find a way of downloading the presentation and editing in your own maps and graphics. I know this is asking a lot of a stranger. But I think you could improve upon the video because of your experience. 😊

[@baconfatlabs]

Who was the largest Southern manufacturer? Tredegar? I have fond memories of visiting Tredegar Iron Works.

[@OHexpat12]

The War College has moments of levity in discussing war. Very palatable!

[@davidjsouth231]

I lived relatively close to the war college in Carlisle for 20+ years, just never had the opportunity to go tour the displays and what not

[@kaycox5555]

Outstanding presentation, thanks for posting!

[@frankdawe5156]

This guy knows his material. It really puts things into perspective to know all these little sub-stories.

[@johnmassoud930]

Fascinating analysis. Thanks for posting

[@alfredeneuman6966]

Cool stuff. I live within a few miles of the Army War College in Carliale, PA. Lots of retired military officers here.

[@oarfrost]

That was great, particularly the bit about the second largest city in the Confederacy.

[@tubularfrog]

Excellent presentation. I love the highlighting of the interpersonal conflicts in the Confederate leadership and the effects it had on the tactics. This is something seen later with the rivalry of Patton and Montgomery in WW2. I would really like to see a production of Steve Knott in a more detailed analysis of the battle as narrator in a more graphics intensive video.

[@robertdavenport5457]

Can you say Arnhem or a Bridge to Far. It was a direct result of Monty's need to outshine Patton. So unlike his other battles. Monty was excellent but not usually daring. Lots of courage in the battles but lives could have been spent elsewhere for greater advantage

[@johngoerger8996]

Custer & additional Union Cav units prevented Confederate Cav units to assist Pickett's Charge thus preventing the Confederates from winning at Gettysburg

[@sofly7634]

@John--go Wolverines! Unfortunately this may have been what stoked Custer's ego to try Little Big Horn.

[@danporter1176]

@@sofly7634 well he was trying to run for president and get a big win heading in

[@t44florida]

Is there a video that continues this lecture.... from the point that the speaker ends and the next speaker continues the lecture?????????????????????

[@Ccccccccccsssssssssss]

Excellent presentation, thank you!

[@Zoetropeification]

Very good presentation, I learned things I did not know about Stuart's relationship with his subordinates.

[@francisebbecke2727]

I know why Jeb Stewart went to Caslisle. There is a great Italian restaurant in the downtown area.

[@justeremiahsjourney]

I used to work there. Piazzo.

[@QuantumRift]

Jeb didn't like Italian food.

[@mobilechief]

I know I have been there

[@humptydumpty-m8u]

@@mobilechiefnear the recess rm

[@habbadabbado5765]

Meh, no one goes there anymore-it’s too crowded.

[@lebarosky]

Very good presentation. Cadre attrition was a terrible problem for Lee, and it bore fruit against him at Gettysburg.

[@christophertaylor1153]

I stand corrected. It was Buford and his Union cavalry that was first arriving at Gettysburg. Yes, they had repeating rifles. And Longstreet's infantry had a hard march on the way to the battlefield and his forces were probably exhausted from the march. So it was Buford's forces that were holding back the Confederate forces at Gettysburg on the first day of the battle.

[@JRobbySh]

That Buford was able to go toe-to-toe with an infantry brigade long enough for Reynold’s to come up was something that would have been unthinkable a year earlier. The Union cavalry had good weapons but obviously they were now the equal to Confederate cavalry.

[@tomdefranco816]

Buford’s troopers did not have repeaters. They had a variety of single shot breech loaders which gave them an advantage, but not as big an advantage as the repeaters would have. Only a couple companies of Custer’s Wolverines carried repeaters at the time - perhaps some units of Berdan’s sharpshooters.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Both responses are correct. Actually Buford fought a marvelous delaying action as Judy says, lasted long enough to allow Reynold's to bring up his two leading brigades, those of Cutler and Meredith (the fabulous Iron Brigade) which were reinforced during the rest of the morning and early afternoon by the remainder of the 1st Corp and the 11th Corp. Hooker's reorganization of the Union cavalry turned it into the elite organization that stood toe-to-toe against Heth's division and Stuart and later to dominate the worn-out Confederate cavalry.

[@jason60chev]

The breech loading Sharps carbines gave the Federal troopers superior fire power and their mobility allowed them to defend the NWest and Northern approaches to the town. If Reynolds had taken longer to arrive, Buford would have exhausted his ammo and have to pull back.

[@AudieHolland]

Having watched a documentary about the war between Prussia and Austria in 1866, I can tell you that the major advantage of a breechloading rifle is that you can remain in cover or very close to the ground. A musketman can only reload with efficiency if he remains standing up, easily targeted and hit by the opposing infantry.

[@sofly7634]

Went to school on this one. Very informative. Would never read in the history books that Jeb had interpersonal relationship deficits that cost the south the war!

[@williamculverhouse6639]

Outstanding presentation! But- now that my curiosity is piqued- where is the presentation of "the esteemed Dr. Sommers"?

[@tk-ix5lw]

Thank you, my thoughts exactly!!

[@larrydugan1376]

My question also

[@marsta1980]

@Phillip Hiller The South had only one chance to win the war and that was to exhaust the North, which, as this presentation notes, was possible, however, they had very little margin for error. The personality issues in the Western Confederate armies were even worse. The Confederate generals hated each other and, most of all, hated Braxton Bragg, the commander of the Army of the Tennessee. That Army's disarray did much to ensure defeat in the West for the Confederacy. That along with Grant's brilliant Vicksburg Campaign, of course.

[@kevinwheatley6342]

even braggs wife stuck it up him.a case of who you know not what you know.

[@danmeehan1390]

Brilliant presentation.

[@ralphdye451]

Excellent lecture. I wish I could have seen this before watching the mini-series "Gettysburg", it would have explained a lot. For instance, why Lee was so insistent on fighting the Union army "here and now".

[@BadWebDiver]

And I loved the way that movie showed the interaction between Longstreet, Lee and Harrison at the beginning. And the use of re-enactors for the period extras.

[@250txc]

Might be a little propaganda in there somewhere, so be careful and never heard anyone say Lee was no different than a modern day terrorist

[@sofly7634]

@Ralph--without these notes you still would not be fully informed about motives though.

[@danyaradimacher6581]

I thoroughly enjoyed this tutorial, the lecturer was very enthuasiatic, excellent eye contact with his audiece and possess excellent volume of speech and he thorough knows his stuff, but just a small note is that the camera should have been directed at the overhead project or the presentation. Part from that, its an extremely interesting lecture :)

[@stevefowler2112]

Outstanding presentation...this battle like most lost battles come down to poor Command, poor Control and poor Communication.

[@prestonrenify]

Excellent talk...please have camera pan to maps the next time. Perhaps a college student might edit video to add maps and markers to your audio. Will look for more of your CW talks. Thanks

[@lomax343]

This would be better if the camera focussed on the display rather than the speaker.

[@harivikraman9821]

I do like the way he talks about the war, as he keeps it interesting and engaging; however, I would like to see the camera focus on the projector screen when he uses his laser pointer on points on the screen. I can't see what he's pointing at when he uses his pointer.

[@BadWebDiver]

If you've seen any historic battle maps of this point in the Civil War campaign, it's pretty easy to know what he's talking abut.o

[@robertallen7186]

Great presentation, but I wish the camera operator had shown the slides when he referred to them.....

[@skipsassy1]

See why Shelby Foote is so, so popular - the Elvis Presley sound of the PBS Civil War Series - and his 3 set Civil War books are the best.

[@kaycox19]

Terrific lecture, thanks for sharing.

[@steveschlackman4503]

I looked all over the USAWC and couldn't find the "esteemed Dr Sommers" follow up to this lecture.Edit 11/25/24 Dr Richard Sommers passed away in May 2019. This is the third time I've watched this video. Dr Sommers videos are still on KZbin.

[@abhcoat]

Loved the presentation. I wish I could see the rest of this.

[@citizen20twenty44]

Why does the cameraman fixate on the speaker as he's constantly referring to a map, but not show the map?

[@adamschrepfer1086]

yeah whoever graciously recorded this (thank you!) needs a video editor to put in maps and stuff

[@GAME4WAR]

The cameraman was engaged to the speakers wife before the engagement was called off so he is purposely trying to sabotage the video of his lecture.

[@simpleman5688]

Citizen20 Twenty Well, obviously the cameraMan is gay for this guy! Thanks for asking.

[@suburbanwisdom]

Excellent presentation! The lead up to Gettysburg is as amazing as the battle itself, and great explanation of Stuart's actions beyond he was just showboating and goofing around, but how his ego really screwed things up. Also good to see Bernie Sanders front and center in case he actually becomes POTUS and has to deal with such a situation.

[@Komnenos1234]

This is such a great lecture.

[@johnmcnett9241]

This is a great presentation. Thanks.

[@newcars11]

Great presentation. Nice to understand what happen to Jeb Stuart.

[@cameronwalker2722]

Damn i needed this class in college

[@arvos21]

Fascinating. Thanks for posting this.

[@story1951]

I knew J.E.B. messed up, but didn't know the details. Great lecture. In truth, Lee should have known to take cavalry he trusted. Why take cavalry you were not going to use?

[@andrewsilverstein6186]

Great analysis, excellent presentation

[@wombat7366]

I’m always amazed by knowledgeable military historians who pronounce “cavalry” as “calvary”.

[@melvinbennett444]

Would have been much better had the cameraman actually aimed the camera at the part of the map that Steve was referring to.

[@hellcat8137]

At the beginning the speaker says he normally does a longer lecture- would love to hear the full version.

[@karlburkhalter1502]

The men needed horse shoes, not people shoes, he is dead wrong about too much to be taken seriously.

[@moncorp1]

@@karlburkhalter1502 ~ and you are??? Let me guess, a guy who's read some books.

[@karlburkhalter1502]

moncorp1 Inc and got a degree in history, a few books? many hundreds, actually.

[@kenmurray8476]

And that's why you are an instructor at the Army War College, no doubt.

[@benjaminzone4093]

Great lecture and fresh information for a civil war newby

[@rtk3543]

Great speaker and made a good presentation of Lee's motives for the Gettysburg campaign, but likes others have said, shame we were not shown the map.

[@malafunkshun8086]

Interesting presentation...and a very lively speaker! 😊🤙🏼

[@philipbuckley759]

excellent presentation....a true professional...

[@250txc]

Really? He called Lee a terrorist? And acted like Lee set the entire military plan?

[@williamhopper1134]

Interesting, but the camera work could have been better and actually show the projection.

[@bhoffman64507]

William Hopper You are right, William. There is relatively inexpensive software that allows you to split the screen so you can see the speaker in one box and the slides in another and package it into KZbin format. That is one of my pet peeves with taped lectures. I don't really care to see the speaker. I want to see the visuals to which they are referring.

[@richardmcavoy6413]

Interesting presentation. It also may provide insight upon why Pickett's charge was ordered. As I stood at the spot where Pickett began his advance, my dad said "what was he thinking"? To look across that unobstructed field of fire was sobering. I know it was normal to advance upon your enemy in the open. I also know there had been a massive artillery bombardment of the union lines (which unknown to tje confederates had fallen too deep behind union lines). However,if Lee had the mindset that he had to destroy his opponent, not just win a battle, perhaps that led him to order the advance that none of his subordinates agreed with.

[@randym7511]

This is a most excellent teaching. As a complete aside: did anyone else notice his consistent substitution of "calvary" for "cavalry"? I find it interesting. Perhaps it's a Freudian slip.

[@davidgcox1]

around 21:00 you suggest that Stuart had "permission" from lee to ride around the aop and that lee "approved" it. not true. although Stuart still has his apologists, I seriously doubt lee told Stuart "hey, ride around the union army, become separated from this army, remain out of contact for a week, and make sure not to give me any information on the enemy's movements, strengths, leadership, etc." to the contrary, lee's written instructions were for Stuart to explicitly get on Ewell's right and cover the army. Stuart did nothing more than a joy ride and was a major reason the campaign failed.

[@manilajohn0182]

Lee authorized Stuart's movement. Neither Lee nor Stuart was aware that the AotP was in motion northward. The mistake was Lee's, who erred in giving Stuart two objectives for one force. He should have never instructed Stuart to gather provisions for the use of the army.

[@tomservo5347]

Credit to Joseph Hooker for the reforms he made while in command. The most important one was he took cavalry that was attached to various regiments, and consolidated them into their own force. Yankee cavalry was starting to feel it's strength by the time of Gettysburg. Hooker was also responsible for the positioning of the various pieces of the Army of the Potomac that he screened Lee with and they were positioned superbly. They were able to keep an eye on Lee and concentrate fairly quickly when contact was made. All the pieces were in place when Meade took over.

[@jamesdenofantiquity]

The panning is really hard on me, I'm not sure I can hang with this, I am getting somewhat seasick. I wonder why they could not put the camera wide so he could just walk back and forth and let the eyes do the work, less strain.

[@Kevin-qn2kw]

Is there a part 2?? Great presentation!

[@markoldendorf5393]

Finest presentation on The back story of Gettysburg.

[@ManilaJohn01]

Certainly you're correct; and the "Lost Cause" mindset effects proper analysis of the Civil War to this day.

[@DougSchuyler]

This is pure gold!

[@paddy864]

Liked that , is the contribution of the esteemed Doctor Summers available?

[@kenmesser9813]

A great exposition of Will as being a major component to victory. Steve Knott briefly referred to Vietnam in this context which is highly appropriate. General Westmoreland always commented on the fact that the US never lost an engagement in Vietnam long after the war was over. I wonder if the lessons of Will as a component to victory in regards to Vietnam and other more current engagements has penetrated the skulls of our Joint Chiefs of Staff?

[@RPenta]

They have; they have also been a component of USA pys-ops against its own people since the war in Viet Nam-that was shown in the ginning up of war in Gulf War 1 in 1990 as well as the wars against Iraq and Afghanistan-the main idea is: keep the casualties down by using massive force against essentially defenseless countries; block the people from seeing the consequences of war and occupation with aid from the controlled lamestream media. The military-industrial-intelligence-financial-congressional complex leaned well the lessons of Viet Nam. Oh, and getting phony liberals like Clinton and Obama into office did not hurt either. RIP: to President John F. Kennedy, last real President of the USA.

[@EricAlbin]

RPenta Iraq was essentially defenseless? Nonsense. They had, at one time, one of the largest armies on the planet, well funded by oil, well blooded against Iran.

[@wolverineeagle]

RPenta This is quite possibly the most ignorant collection of words ever written on KZbin. Your lack of historical knowledge is apparent to all.

[@robertpentangelo4860]

Eric Albin And your point is: besides the one on top of your head.

[@robertpentangelo4860]

wolverineeagle What is your major malfunction, numb nuts?

[@jrcastrorwc]

I like this guy's energy

[@perfidiousalbion5985]

This fellow is is an awesome lecturer! He really draws you into the story... and it can be about anything.. Steve Knott weaves the story and basically brings in the real reason why JEB Stuart failed Lee. In the end we know that intelligence is absolutely crucial for the success of an army, and without the Cavalry (back then) as its eyes and ears Lee was blind. Lessons learned, Cavalry must be act as the whiskers of the main force and be in constant communication to the main force.. Stuart failed in this in colossal way by being completely out of touch with Lee for several crucial days. Had the Calvary been deployed more effectively, Gettysburg may not have happened or if it had happened it would have been on Lee's terms. The irony was that it was during this engagement that the Union Cavalry was most effective in their role. Buford's Cavalry provided the Army of the Potomac with advanced intelligence so vitally needed and was able to screen Lee's advanced elements until the main body was able to consolidate the high ground.

[@karlburkhalter1502]

Perfidious Albion darn if dont get it, most of these fools cant spell horse.

[@karlburkhalter1502]

in other word yes you are correct.

[@jameshorn270]

In fact, what was missing was Stuart, not cavalry. Lee still had three brigades of cavalry with him, but not an overall leader to use them efficiently. One brigade was sent to the northwest, into the mountains where they did some damage to the railroads, and may have scarfed up enough supplies from scattered farms to support themselves, but contributed nothing to intelligence and did not participate in the battle. What a brigade did could have been done by detaching a regiment. The rest of the cavalry seems to have been used to clear the way to Harrisburg before being recalled. Some of that force could have been better used scouting east of the Mountains. When Early headed toward the Susquehanna, some of that cavalry should have established a screen south of the Maryland border to watch his flank. That would also more likely have allowed an earlier hookup with Stuart. Lee had cavalry. He did not use it properly.

[@makayllercher8793]

The real reason Stuart failed Lee is because of his ego. The Flora Cook saga, combined with the Battle Of Brandy Station. Where the Union Calvary fought the Confederate Calvary in a pitched day long battle. The Union withdrew but not in headlong flight as it had in the past. Stuart was angered that they dared to challenge his men. As a result, he felt he had to regain his "honor" and humiliate the North again. Thus the ride around the Army of the Potomac.

[@Dalbert342]

Awesome presentation :)

[@RickyBobby_USA]

I would like to hear the next guy after him. Does anyone know?