The Battle of Gettysburg: Day 1 🧵

1/ On July 1, 1863, the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, became the stage for one of the largest and most consequential battles in U.S. history. The Battle of Gettysburg, spanning three days, saw over 160,000 soldiers clash in a brutal struggle that produced nearly 50,000 casualties—making it the bloodiest single battle ever fought on American soil. Its scale was staggering! As the high-water mark of the Confederacy’s invasion of the North, Gettysburg’s outcome shaped the Civil War’s trajectory, testing the resolve of both Union and Confederate forces. This thread begins with Day 1, where chance encounters ignited a firestorm that would define a nation’s future…🧵 Both Armies Converge on Gettysburg

2/ In June 1863, Robert E. Lee’s 75,000-strong Confederate Army invaded the North, aiming to disrupt Union morale and gather supplies. The Union’s 90,000-man Army of the Potomac, led by George G. Meade, pursued to protect Washington. By late June, both armies neared Gettysburg, a road hub. On June 30, Confederate scouts spotted Union cavalry there. Lee, partially blind without J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry, ordered no major engagements, but on July 1, A.P. Hill’s troops, seeking supplies, clashed with John Buford’s Union cavalry. A chance encounter sparked the battle neither side planned.

Brigadier General John Buford at Gettysburg 🧵

1/ As we near the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), I’m highlighting notable leaders from this legendary battle. Today: Brigadier General John Buford, a lesser-known cavalryman whose foresight and bravery on Day 1 secured the ground that saved the Union. His stand against overwhelming odds is a testament to tactical genius and grit. Early Life

2/ John Buford Jr. was born on March 4, 1826, in Woodford County, Kentucky, to a prominent family with deep American roots. His father, John Buford Sr., was a politician, and his grandfather, Simeon Buford, served in the Revolutionary War. After moving to Illinois, Buford grew up in a frontier environment, developing a love for horses and the outdoors. He entered West Point in 1844, graduating in 1848 (16th of 38 in his class), ready for a career as a cavalry officer. His upbringing instilled resilience and a keen sense of duty that would define his Civil War service.

General Lewis A. Armistead at Gettysburg 🧵

1/ With the upcoming anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), I want to dive into the stories of key leaders who shaped this turning point of the Civil War. Let’s start with my favorite general from the battle, Confederate Brigadier General Lewis A. Armistead, a soldier whose courage and tragic fate encapsulate the war’s deep divisions and personal toll. His life, marked by duty and heartbreak, offers a window into the era’s complexities. Early Life

2/ Lewis Addison Armistead was born on February 18, 1817, in New Bern, North Carolina, into a prominent military family. His father, Walker Keith Armistead, was a career U.S. Army officer, and his uncle, George Armistead, commanded Fort McHenry during the War of 1812’s famous “Star-Spangled Banner” bombardment. Raised in Virginia, young Lewis was immersed in a culture of honor, duty, and Southern tradition. The Armisteads’ deep ties to the military set the stage for Lewis’s lifelong commitment to soldiering, though his path would be anything but conventional.

General James Longstreet - A Life in Service

1/ James Longstreet, one of the Civil War’s most skilled yet controversial Confederate generals, played a pivotal role in America’s defining conflict. From his early days to his postwar defiance, this thread explores his life, battles, and enduring legacy. Join us to uncover the story of “Old Pete.” #CivilWar #Longstreet Early Life

2/ James Longstreet was born on January 8, 1821, in Edgefield District, South Carolina, but grew up in Augusta, Georgia, after his father’s death in 1833. Raised on a plantation, he was shaped by a rugged, practical upbringing. His mother sent him to live with relatives in Alabama to prepare for a military career. Longstreet entered West Point in 1838, graduating 54th of 56 in 1842. Nicknamed “Old Pete” for his steady demeanor, his early years forged a resilient, no-nonsense character that defined his later military leadership.

Treaty of Versailles Signed (June 28, 1919)

1/ Today, 106 years ago, the Treaty of Versailles was signed in Paris, formally ending WWI. Let’s dive into what this historic treaty and how it paved the way for WWII. 🧵
#History #WWI 2/ Signed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, the treaty was negotiated by the Allied powers (esp. UK, France, US) & Germany. It aimed to secure peace but came with heavy consequences.

Five-Star Flag Officers of the U.S. Army and Navy in WWII 🧵

1/ The U.S. hasn’t seen a five-star general or admiral since the World War II era. The rank of General of the Army and Fleet Admiral, created in 1944, was a rare honor to match Allied counterparts like British Field Marshals and to ensure they weren’t outranked. Here are all the five star generals and admirals in US history: George C. Marshall

George C. Marshall, promoted to General of the Army on December 16, 1944, led the U.S. Army from Washington, D.C., as Chief of Staff. He expanded the Army to 8 million soldiers, shaped Allied strategy, and planned the D-Day invasion. His post-war Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. 🇺🇸

General William Tecumseh Sherman 🧵

1/ William Tecumseh Sherman (1820–1891) is a towering and divisive figure in American history. A Union general hailed as a strategic genius by some, condemned as a ruthless destroyer by others. Let’s explore his life, from humble beginnings to his fiery legacy. #CivilWar #History 2/ Early Life

Born February 8, 1820, in Lancaster, Ohio, Sherman was the sixth of eleven kids. Named after Shawnee leader Tecumseh, his family fell into poverty after his father’s death in 1829. Raised by family friend Thomas Ewing, a powerful Whig, he secured a spot at West Point in 1836. Graduated sixth in his class, showing brains and a bold streak. #Sherman #AmericanHistory

Winfield Scott, America’s Overlooked Military Genius 🧵

1/ Winfield Scott’s 50-year military career shaped the U.S. Army, yet he’s rarely celebrated. A general in three wars, his strategic brilliance won conflicts, but he’s eclipsed by flashier names. Let’s explore his remarkable contributions. #History #MilitaryHistory Early Life

2/ Born June 13, 1786, in Dinwiddie County, VA, Scott grew up on a plantation. His father died when he was 6, but his mother ensured his education. He studied law at William & Mary before choosing a military career. At 6’5”, he was a natural leader. #WinfieldScott

The Battle of Okinawa

1/ On this day, June 22, 1945, the Battle of Okinawa came to an end. One of the bloodiest battles of World War II, it was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater. Let’s dive into what made this 82-day conflict so significant. 🧵👇 #History #WWII 2/ The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, began on April 1, 1945. It was the last major battle of WWII and the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific. The Allies aimed to seize the island as a staging ground for the planned invasion of Japan. #Okinawa

🧵 Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson:
Confederate general and tactical genius, Jackson was considered Lee’s right hand man. Let’s explore his life—from humble beginnings to Civil War legend. #StonewallJackson #CivilWar 1/ Upbringing

Thomas Jackson was born in 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). He lost his parents young and was raised by relatives. Despite limited formal education, he taught himself diligently, driven by ambition and deep religious faith. He earned a place at West Point and graduated in 1846, forging an iron will that defined him.

🧵 The Battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815): A Turning Point in History

Let’s dive into the epic battle that ended Napoleon’s reign, reshaped Europe, and changed the course of history. From the lead-up to the aftermath, here’s what you need to know. #History #Waterloo 1/ The Lead-Up: Napoleon’s Return

In 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Elba after his disastrous invasion of Russia and defeats by the Sixth Coalition. But in March 1815, he escaped, returned to France, and rallied his supporters, launching the Hundred Days campaign.

The Battle of Bunker Hill – A Revolutionary Battle That Shaped a Nation

1/ Introduction: On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill (really fought on Breed’s Hill) erupts in Charlestown, Massachusetts. It’s a pivotal moment in the American Revolution, proving the colonists can stand up to the mighty British Army. Though a British victory, the heavy cost shocks the Redcoats and galvanizes the Patriot cause. Let’s break down how this misnamed battle became a legend. #BunkerHill #RevolutionaryWar 2/ Lead-Up to the Battle: By early 1775, tensions between Britain and the American colonies are at a breaking point. The clashes at Lexington and Concord in April show the colonists are ready to fight. In Boston, British General Thomas Gage holds the city, but colonial militias from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and beyond are mobilizing. They want to challenge British control. Leaked British plans to seize hills around Boston prompt the Patriots to act first, targeting the Charlestown Peninsula. The stage is set for a bold move. #AmericanHistory