This is a dramatic, but highly distorted depiction of the Battle of New Market. The Cadets did not charge and break the Union line all by themselves and independent of orders, as shown in the film. What a crock. The whole Confederate force advanced as ordered, and the Cadets formed just a small part of the line. The final assault occurred late in the battle and succeeded because most of the Union infantry had run out of ammunition by then. There was also no hand to hand combat as depicted in the film, with Cadets bayoneting hapless Yankee veterans right and left. That scene was as bogus as the scenes in "Glory" showing intense hand to hand combat between the black soldiers of the 54th Mass. And the Confederates. Hand to hand combat involving infantry was quite rare in the Civil War. Thanks in large part to Franz Sigel's mismanagement, the Union men, who fought bravely and well, had to withdraw before the Confederates reached their position.
I have been to the New Market battlefield on a battlefield tour and read a book about it as well. It is sad to see history distorted in such a fashion. The participation of the VMI Cadets could have been depicted accurately. It was certainly dramatic enough.
I have been to the New Market battlefield on a battlefield tour and read a book about it as well. It is sad to see history distorted in such a fashion. The participation of the VMI Cadets could have been depicted accurately. It was certainly dramatic enough.