What has caused modern day historians to have different opinions on the motives of Robert E. Lee concerning Gettysburg?

Answer 1

The answer to the questions that modern day historians have concerning the intentions of Robert E. Lee are based on several factors. The Battle of Gettysburg has always had a high profile among US Civil War historians and the public at large ( those who are known to have an interest such as students and book publishers )A cynical motive revolves around the US university system of "publish or perish". The battle in question was a long three day open field battle. US President Lincoln made a special trip to visit the battlefield. Lee's own writings on the battle uses terms that may have different meanings.

One school of thought weighs heavily towards the perceived motives of the 1862 Battle of Antietam. There and as in Gettysburg, some historians place Lee's motives as more political than military. The true motive say some historians was the idea of influencing the 1864 presidential elections. In 1863, more then at times previous, the Northern anti-war sentiment was stronger than ever. A stronger one would be created if the Army of the Potomac failed to display the resolve needed to injure Lee and Northern Democrat war descent would have a stronger case for ending hostilities. This is very understandable in that the South was not seeking to overtake the US government. Surely many Northerners and possible military recruits would have to ask themselves whether risking one's life on the abstract notion that losing the South, a eleven state 11 million farm community was worth dying for.

Another cynical view revolved around the possibility that the new Republican Party "created" a fear factor in order to keep the political gains it already had. What would be more forceful of an election campaign claim that the United States would remain united thanks to the Republican Party? Also, Northern textile mills preferred buying their cotton from another US state rather than paying a higher price to another nation, namely the Confederate States of America? And markets for Northern produced products might be reduced if the South should break away.

Other historians believe that Lee was certain of a victory and nothing but good things would be the result of a poor showing by Meade's Army of the Potomac. Lee had confidence in his army and he envisioned a battle against tire Union forces that would be wearied from their march to intercept him in Pennsylvania.

Another school of thought was that Lee and Jefferson Davis had made a serious miscalculation. That an overwhelming Union army, strong in numbers and better artillery would sink whatever motives Lee had. To these experts the battle was a mute point. As such, they neglect however to point out what a devastating blow to the South to lose their vanguard army the Army of Northern Virgina.