The Killer Angels Shaara

The book, “The Killer Angels”, written by, Michael Shaara; is about a battle at Gettysburg concerning slavery. Not everyone who fought in this battle fought for or against slavery. Many had their own views of why they chose to fight in this war. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlian, thirty-four years of age, a college professor now regiment commander of the 20th Regiment of Infantry, and a Maine Volunteer. His younger brother Thomas became his aide. Chamberlian believed in the dignity of man. He grew up believing in America and the individual. Believing that America was the land where no man had to bow, where a man could become anything he wished to become, where man mattered more than state. Americans fight for mankind, for freedom, for the people
Is an excellent poker player but has not played since the death of his children. He is a stubborn, bad tempered, kind of slow man. Concerned with the lack of information about the enemy he sends his spy, Harrison to Gettysburg to see what information he could find out. Longstreet considers the men in his command family. In Longstreet’s unit some of his men he commanded where Europeans and somewhere Southerners. The Europeans thought the war is about slavery. While the southerners thought the war was about the Constitution. During the battle Longstreet recognizes that the men they are fighting against are not enemies but instead old friends. Later during the battle Longstreet wants Alexander to take command and responsibility of the unit. He cannot order his men to their deaths; a death that he feels is preventable and an attack he in which he disagrees with. Longstreet what to resign but cannot leave Lee alone or with this attack in the hand of Hill. Longstreet also feels there are not enough men to do this
Has a heart condition that will eventually kill him. Even being the most loved man in the whole army he would risk his men for the ultimate victory. A religious man and believes that he is responsible for carrying out God's will. Having never owned a slave and not believe in slavery, he does believes that the Negro’s should not be considered equal like the white man. During battle Hill and Ewell are the new corps commanders and Lee is concerned they will not live up to Jacksons set standards. During battle Lee enjoys Longstreet’s company, needing his support and strength, depending on him throughout the war. Lee views Longstreet as a strong and magnificent soldier, whom is the rock of the army. This makes him concerned for Longstreet’s safety. Lee's decision to join the Confederacy stems from his alliance with Virginia. He fights for his people and family, he feels fighting for land is not worth a war. Lee is aware he is breaking an oath that he had taken by invading the North and knows he will pay for it in some way. During war Lee is a fan of offensive Napoleonic warfare