MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Trump hints at GOP speech in Gettysburg, but is the site of America's bloodiest civil war an ideal choice?

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3 in 1863 where close to 35,000 people died

President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that he is considering delivering his presidential nomination speech on the night of the convention, which is on August 27, either at the Great Battlefield of Gettysburg or the White House. His tweet read, "We have narrowed the Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech, to be delivered on the final night of the Convention (Thursday), to two locations — The Great Battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and the White House, Washington, D.C."

The statement was soon subjected to criticism owing to the history of Gettysburg and how POTUS had expressed his desire to use federal property for political purposes. Internet users took to Twitter to express their opinion about Trump's choice of location as many recalled America’s bloody civil war which took place in Gettysburg, claiming the lives of thousands.

The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1 to July 3 in 1863. After winning their battle against Union forces at Chancellorsville, General Robert E Lee marched his army into Pennsylvania towards the end of June 1863. The war commenced on July 1 when the Confederates led by Lee clashed with the Union’s Army of the Potomac at the crossroads town of Gettysburg, commanded by General Geroge G Meade. July 2 witnessed a tougher fight as the Confederates attacked Federals where they stood, on both sides. Lee with the advice of second-in-command James Longstreet, ordered to open fire on the Union corps. The fighting continued for the next few hours and by the end of the second day both the armies had suffered immense casualties, more than 9000 deaths on both sides. The two-day war had seen close to 35,000 deaths. 

On July 3, Lee ordered an attack on the enemy’s center at Cemetery Ridge using fewer than 15,000 troops. The assault came to be known as ‘Pickett’s Charge’. Although it managed to pierce through the Union lines, killing many, it eventually failed. On July 4, Lee withdrew his army and marched back to Virginia. The Union celebrated as they succeeded in stopping Lee from invading the North. It also inspired then president Abraham Lincoln’s famous “Gettysburg Address”. 

The fact that Trump is even considering delivering his speech at this controversial location has led to a heated debate on the internet, with the majority of them taking deep dive into Gettysburg’s dark history involving a bloody war between the Democrats and Republicans. A significant number of people have questioned the president’s intentions with his decision that seems to have irked many. One user wrote, "Gettysburg? Has anyone spent loads of time there too? He would basically be accepting his nomination in a grand but solemn cemetery. In a cemetery. Metaphor for his campaign."

Another added, "How ironic is Gettysburg. Where the Civil War turned, and where Trump is turning this country towards civil war."

Meanwhile, one user noted sarcastically, “Personally, I’d like to see you at the Battle of Gettysburg, but I’m sure you will make it great at either location. Thank you for all you’re doing for America!"