What did Union General George Meade do to ensure victory at Gettysburg on the third day of battle? He launched attacks on Confederate lines from all directions, bombarded Lee's forces with artillery, anticipated Lee's moves, and introduced unexpected reinforcements.

Union General George Meade played a crucial role in securing victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War. On the third day of the battle, Meade's actions contributed to the Union's defensive success. Here is what he did:

- **Anticipated Lee's Moves**: Meade was able to effectively anticipate Confederate General Robert E. Lee's offensive movements. He had a good understanding of Lee's tactics and was able to predict where the attacks would come from, which allowed him to prepare his troops accordingly. - **Strengthened Defensive Positions**: Meade wisely made use of the topography and strengthened the Union defensive positions on Cemetery Ridge, culminating with the 'fishhook' formation. The Union forces occupied high ground, which gave them a significant tactical advantage. - **Coordinated His Commanders**: He collaborated and communicated efficiently with his corps commanders, ensuring they were prepared for the battle and had a clear understanding of his overall strategy. - **Artillery Barrage**: Prior to Pickett's Charge, the Confederate army bombarded Union positions with artillery in an attempt to weaken them. However, Meade's forces withstood the barrage, and in turn, Union artillery played a pivotal role in repelling the infantry assault that followed. - **Repelled Pickett's Charge**: On July 3, the most famous aspect of Gettysburg occurred, often referred to as Pickett's Charge. Meade's forces were well-prepared for this infantry assault by the Confederate Army. They held firm defensive lines and, as the Confederate forces approached, Union artillery and musket fire inflicted severe casualties. - **Maintained Strong Reserve Forces**: Meade had kept substantial reserves which he could deploy at critical moments during the engagements. This allowed him to react quickly to any Confederate breakthroughs and reinforce the lines where needed.

By anticipating Lee's actions, fortifying strong defensive positions, and managing his forces effectively, Meade ensured that the Union army could repel the Confederate attacks and emerge victorious on the third day at Gettysburg.

Extra: The Battle of Gettysburg was one of the most significant engagements of the American Civil War. It represented the turning point in the war, with the Union victory impairing the Confederacy's ability to wage an offensive war in the North. General Meade's leadership during this battle demonstrated his competence in defensive warfare.

Understanding Meade's role at Gettysburg also requires a grasp of basic military tactics. On defense, holding the high ground is a classic advantage because it makes it harder for enemy forces to advance and easier for defenders to see and fire upon the attacking force. Communication among commanders is key in coordinating a defense so that everyone knows where they should be and what their role is. The strength of an army's reserves can determine its ability to recover from an enemy's attack and launch counterattacks. Artillery, which encompasses large-scale, crew-operated weapons such as cannons and howitzers, can have a significant impact on both attacking and defending forces by inflicting heavy casualties and demoralizing enemy troops.

All these elements played a part in the Union's ability to hold off the Confederate Army at Gettysburg, and understanding these concepts can help students better appreciate the strategies and decisions made by generals like George Meade during important historical battles.