**Sun Tzu at Gettysburg with Ralph Siegel | Addressing Gettysburg**

In this episode of *Addressing Gettysburg*, guest Ralph Siegel invites you into a provocative thopught exercise: how and where were the principles of **Sun Tzu’s *The Art of War** applied in the Battle of Gettysburg? Sun Tzu (5th century B.C.) is one of history’s most influential strategists. His treatise *The Art of War* — a compact work of 13 chapters on strategy, deception, intelligence, terrain, and timing — has shaped military thinking for millennia. ([Wikipedia][1]) He emphasizes that “the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting,” and teaches lessons like striking where the enemy is weak, using deception, and the critical importance of knowing yourself and your enemy. ([Goodreads][2]) Meanwhile, the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863) stands among the most consequential clashes in American history. It resulted in massive casualties (over 50,000 combined) and marked a turning point in the Civil War, as Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North was repulsed and momentum shifted to the Union. ([American Battlefield Trust][3]) Over three brutal days, fighting raged across ridges, hills, and open fields — from McPherson’s Ridge to Little Round Top, from Cemetery Hill to Pickett’s Charge. ([National Park Service][4]) In this video, Ralph Siegel explores how key Sun Tzu maxims might have been applied (or misapplied) by Union generals like Meade and Confederate commanders like Lee or Longstreet. How might they have used terrain more cunningly, exploited intelligence (or lack thereof), feinted attacks, or avoided catastrophic frontal assaults? Could Pickett’s Charge have been prevented or better supported by a more flexible, Sun Tzu-inspired doctrine? 

🔍 **What you’ll learn:**

* How Sun Tzu’s principles map onto the tactical and strategic decisions at Gettysburg * Hypothetical “alternate histories” in which war is waged more cleverly * Lessons from both sides: strengths, failures, and what the generals might have done differently * Why historical imagination matters in understanding war --- 👍

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Your support helps us produce richer, deeper history videos. 🏛️ You can also make a tax-deductible donation to the **Digital History Pioneers Foundation** at **[www.dhpioneers.com](http://www.dhpioneers.com)** — these aren’t typical YouTube videos. They take imagination, deep research, time and talented people to create. If you’ve ever gotten value from what we share freely, your contribution helps us keep going in many ways.

👇 **Stay connected & join the conversation:** * Comment below: Which Sun Tzu principle do *you* think Lee or Meade got most wrong? * Share this video with fellow history buffs *

Thanks for watching — may Sun Tzu’s wisdom continue to guide us through the fog of war (and YouTube algorithms). 🎯 [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_War?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Art of War" [2]: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1771.Sun_Tzu?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Quotes by Sun Tzu (Author of The Art of War) - Goodreads" [3]: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/civil-war/battles/gettysburg?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Gettysburg Battle Facts and Summary | American Battlefield Trust" [4]: https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/historyculture/gettysburg-overview.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Gettysburg Overview - National Park Service"

**Ask A Gettysburg Guide #114 – Cutler’s Brigade with Charlie Fennell** In this episode of *Ask A Gettysburg Guide*, fan-favorite licensed battlefield guide **Charlie Fennell** takes us deep into the action of **Cutler’s Brigade** at the Battle of Gettysburg. Charlie expertly breaks down the pivotal role this Union brigade played on **July 1, 1863**, during the early stages of the battle. Learn how Cutler’s men, despite being pushed back, delayed the Confederate advance long enough to allow more Union forces to arrive on the field. 💬 **Have a question for Charlie?** * **Superchat**  of $10 or more and get your question read live on the air! * Or call in for FREE at **717-420-1978** to ask your burning questions about Gettysburg and Cutler’s Brigade! 🔔 **Support the show and get exclusive content** by becoming a Patron at: [www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg](http://www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg). Your support helps keep this incredible history alive! Don't forget to get your bag of Little Ground Top today! www.addressinggettysburg.com/cafe How about a T-shirt? https://heritage-depot.myshopify.com/ Don’t miss this exciting discussion on one of the most important moments in the Battle of Gettysburg! **Hit the like button**, **subscribe**, and **turn on notifications** so you never miss an episode of *Ask A Gettysburg Guide*.

Jared Peatman and Peter Vermilyea are both graduates of Gettysburg College AND history nerds. They became interested in the Gettysburg College students who volunteered for service at the outbreak of the Civil War and in the weeks leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. So they researched. Now, they share what they've learned with us.

Listen to the rest of this episode and hundreds more like it while enabling us to continue to explore and share Gettysburg and Civil War history by joining Patreon at www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg . This episode drops in-full at 7pm EST, Sunday September 21, 2025. 

🎯 Meet General Henry Jackson Hunt — the Union’s brilliant Chief of Artillery at Gettysburg. His tactical genius with massed artillery fire shaped battles from Malvern Hill to Pickett’s Charge. Discover how Hunt’s steady hand and innovative strategies helped secure Union victory in the Civil War. ⚔️

🇺🇸 Born in Detroit in 1819 into a proud military lineage—his grandfather a Revolutionary War veteran and his father a career infantry officer—Hunt graduated West Point in 1839 and quickly distinguished himself in the Mexican–American War, earning brevet promotions to Captain and Major for gallantry at Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec ([Wikipedia][1], [Emerging Civil War][2]). In the years before the Civil War, he co-authored the seminal *Instructions for Field Artillery* (published 1861), which became the artillery "bible" for the Union Army ([Wikipedia][1], [clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com][3]). His innovative organizational philosophy—establishing an Artillery Reserve at the army level while still supporting infantry brigades—revolutionized how massed firepower was managed on the battlefield ([clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com][3], [uniongenerals.org][4]).

As Chief of Artillery, Hunt’s tactical genius shaped the outcome of key battles: * At **Malvern Hill**, his 250 guns repelled repeated Confederate assaults almost single-handedly ([Wikipedia][1], [clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com][3]); * At **Antietam** and **Fredericksburg**, his masterful deployment of artillery ([Wikipedia][1], [uniongenerals.org][4]); * And at **Gettysburg**, his strategic ammo conservation and deceptive withdrawal tricked Confederate forces into a doomed charge—and played a crucial role in repulsing Pickett’s Charge ([Wikipedia][1], [Emerging Civil War][2]).

Learn more about his steady command during the **Siege of Petersburg** and his remarkable postwar service—including overseeing Fort Adams, serving on the Artillery Board, and later caring for veterans as Governor of the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, D.C. ([Wikipedia][1]). Join us for an in-depth look at the man who was the "master of the science of gunnery"—how he shaped artillery tactics, altered the course of key Civil War battles, and left an enduring legacy in American military history.

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--- **Suggested Tags for SEO & Visibility:** `#HenryJacksonHunt #CivilWarArtillery #Gettysburg #ArmyOfThePotomac #ArtilleryTactics #CivilWarHistory #AddressingGettysburg #MalvernHill #Antietam #Fredericksburg #Petersburg #MilitaryHistory #Patreon` [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Jackson_Hunt?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Henry Jackson Hunt" [2]: https://emergingcivilwar.com/2018/06/26/artillery-henry-j-hunt-chief-of-artillery-for-the-army-of-the-potomac/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Henry J. Hunt, Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac" [3]: https://www.clevelandcivilwarroundtable.com/general-henry-j-hunt-union-chief-of-artillery/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "General Henry J. Hunt, Union Chief of Artillery" [4]: https://uniongenerals.org/meet-the-members/brigadier-general-henry-hunt/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Brigadier General Henry Hunt"

Phil Spaugy joins me to talk about the variety of small arms at the Battle of Gettysburg. It's more varied than you think! And we share bourbon

Listen to the rest of this episode and HUNDREDS more like it to deepen your understanding of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War while supporting AG's efforts at www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg

Join us for this episode of Addressing Gettysburg, "Food and Nutrition at the Battle of Gettysburg" featuring Licensed Battlefield Guide Rich Kohr. 🎙️

 ⚔️ Ever wonder how a massive army like the Army of the Potomac or the Army of Northern Virginia moved "on its stomach"? In 19th century warfare, the soldiers were not the only beings in need of proper food and water. The supplies, artillery, baggage, medical supplies, etc., couldn't go along with the army without horses and mules. Tons of food and provender were required on a daily basis. Sometimes, however, circumstances would interfere with an army's nourishment. Such was the case here at Gettysburg, but not the way you think. LBG Rich Kohr joins us to explore this fascinating logistical nightmare. As always, your support helps us create more great content!

🎉 Remember, Super Chats of $10 or more help feed the crew and are READ ON THE AIR. Plus, don't miss your chance to Ask A Gettysburg Guide a question by calling 717-420-1978 FOR FREE—just wait until the commercial break to call in!

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Dana Shoaf and Melissa Winn came into the studio to talk about the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and Civil War medicine in general.

Check out the museum on your next trip to the area https://www.civilwarmed.org/

🔍 This week on "Ask A Gettysburg Guide," we explore the actions that took place in and around Ziegler's Grove during the battle of Gettysburg. We will also cover the history of the property after the battle as the home of the Park Service's visitor center and the home of the cyclorama and, most fascinating of all, we will try to answer the question, for once and for all, "was Ziegler's Grove the 'Copse of Trees' that Pickett's Charge was really aiming for?" 🎙️ Joining us tonight are LBG Charlie Fennell and staunch Patron, Matt McClanahan. 📚 If you’re passionate about Civil War history and want to support our mission at Addressing Gettysburg—"of the People, by the People, for the People"—consider joining our Officers' Club on Patreon at www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg OR by making a tax-deductible donation at www.dhpioneers.com. Your support allows us to continue exploring and sharing history with authenticity! And, as always, warm your cockles with a piping hot (or ice cold) cup of Little Ground Top www.addressinggettysburg.com/cafe Grab some of our hundreds of designs on T Shirts, mugs, doggie bandana and more at www.addressinggettysburg.com/shop DON'T MISS our new REGIMENTAL Merch! 🙏 Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe for more engaging content on Civil War and Gettysburg history! Let’s keep the passion for history alive together! #Gettysburghistory #CivilWar #historymatters #morehistory #gettysburgpennsylvania Join us on one of our remaining Get Out of the Park tours https://www.addressinggettysburg.com/get-out-of-the-car-tours/

NEW TO THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG? Listen to these episodes before watching: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8wq6OC6dOz7vbHYl7P1faKV42vENiUx

Watch all of our Gettysburg 162 Specials here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8wq6OC6dOx-cPMkJdU1yVSKCHzHE2mD

Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center's Codie Eash joins us to talk about 1st Lt. Aaron B. Jerome, Buford's signal officer, who just may be the man who single-handedly made sure John Buford remains in the memory of students of the battle of Gettysburg.

This was a Patreon episode that our members got see enjoy months ago. Be an active participant in the AG community by becoming a Patron today. www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg #johnbuford #aaronbjerome #gettysburg162 #gettysburghistory

📍 **Gettysburg 162 TOWN HALL** 📅 **July 3, 1863** 🎙️ **Featuring: LBG Jim Hessler** 📍 Recorded live at the Seminary Ridge Museum & Education Center

Join us for a powerful and engaging **Addressing Gettysburg Town Hall**, where **YOU**—the audience—are the **star of the show**. 🎤🧠

In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore the climactic **Third Day of the Battle of Gettysburg**, with insights and analysis from Licensed Battlefield Guide **Jim Hessler**, alongside passionate, informed commentary from the live audience. 🗣️

🔥 **Highlights include:** • What **Robert E. Lee** may have hoped for on July 3 📜 • More fighting over Culp's Hill 🤯 • The deafening Hell of the **cannonade before Pickett’s Charge** 💥 • The brutal reality of the **infantry advance** during Pickett’s Charge ⚔️ • JEB Stuart and Custer • The legendary debate: **Jeffrey vs. Geoffrey** 😂 • Day 3 MVP

💬 At **Addressing Gettysburg**, we believe history is best understood when **everyone’s thoughts, questions, and interpretations are welcomed**—that’s why our audience isn’t just part of the conversation… they **GUIDE** the conversation.** You saw it here first.

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#Gettysburg #CivilWar #JimHessler #PickettCharge #TownHall #AmericanHistory #SeminaryRidge #AddressingGettysburg #BattlefieldTalks #HistoryPodcast #July31863