Roads to Falling Waters: A Critical Analysis

摘要

This is a study of the withdrawal of General Lee's army from Gettysburg, and the pursuit by General Meade. Clausewitz said that possible engagements are to be regarded as real ones because of their consequences. Trapped by the flooding Potomac, Lee offered an engagement to Meade at Falling waters, but because Meade refused the engagement, Lee was able to safely cross the Potomac with his army and return to Virginia. This study analyzes the decisions made by key leaders on both sides and what factors and information were present upon which to base those decisions. The focus ranges from the strategic level to the operational and tactical level.