Why was the fishhook formation in the battle of Gettysburg a strong position for the Union forces?Thanks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gettysburg
Go down to Second day of battle for both a verbal and visual description. You'll see why.
=)
The fishhook formation at the Battle of Gettysburg was a strong position for the Union forces because it allowed them to effectively defend against the Confederate attack from multiple directions. The Union line was shaped like a fishhook, with the curved part of the hook extending southward to the south and east of Gettysburg, and the straight part of the hook running northward towards Cemetery Hill. This formation provided several advantages:
1. Defensive Advantage: By positioning the majority of their troops on high ground, particularly Cemetery Hill, the Union forces had a strategic advantage. Being on higher ground gave them better visibility and allowed them to see the Confederate troops advancing towards them.
2. Interlocking Defensive Fire: The fishhook shape allowed the Union forces to create a strong defensive line, with their troops forming a convex arc. This arc allowed the Union forces to deliver interlocking fields of fire, meaning they could direct fire from several angles towards any advancing Confederate forces. This made it difficult for the Confederates to concentrate their attack on a specific portion of the Union line.
3. Control of Key Terrain: The fishhook line also enabled the Union forces to control key terrain features. For example, Cemetery Hill, located at the center of the fishhook formation, provided a commanding view of the surrounding area and served as a strong defensive position.
To get a better understanding of the fishhook formation and its advantages at the Battle of Gettysburg, you can refer to historical accounts, analysis by military historians, and maps of the battle. There are numerous books, articles, and online resources that provide detailed explanations and illustrations of the Union fishhook formation at Gettysburg.