A college professor in command of a bunch of New England cod fisherman and lobstermen. The poor Confederacy had no chance.

A year after this, Jeff Daniels made Dumb & Dumber. Talk about range.

The Charge that saved the Union Army and ultimately, the Union itself. He definitely deserved that medal of honor.

Col. Chamberlain: "Bayonets!" Confederates: "Why do I hear boss music?"

My great great Grandpa was in that charge, never knew it until I was doing some family history and then came across his regiment and service dates. I have overwhelming pride in that

I love Ellis' response, "What, you mean charge?" He's nervous as hell, but he'll do his duty. Fine enough for any man.

This clip perfectly illustrates something few people often remember about bayonet charges. Bayonet charges aren't effective because anyone got stabbed, bayonet charges are effective because no one wants to get bayoneted, most sane soldiers will run like hell if they can’t repulse a charge with fire rather then get into hand to hand.

I hope this helps. I was there. WE did the movie in 1993, a lot of the people were from the 125th Anniversary in 1988. The actual day was reported as 89 degrees, when we did it,it was 91. By the way I'm the fully bearded captain in back. It was so hot we sweated through those blue uniforms. There were a number of real life heat prostration, as there was in 1863. These guys were a pleasure to work with, too. Chamberlain himself had heat prostration. It is absolutely true that the Confederates had sent their men with canteens to get water,as they had marched in excess of 20 miles, and were ordered straight into battle, no water. This played a huge factor. The 20th had almost run out of ammunition, thus the bayonet charge. It was as real as it looks. Later Chamberlain was shot through the bladder and was given up for dead during the Overland campaign.(1864) Grant field promoted him to brigadier general, the ONLY time this happened under Grant. Chamberlain also received the official surrender ceremony at Appomattox. Colonel Law of Alabama went on to become Governor. It's the best Civil War movie ever made, and is a stickler for absolute accuracy. FYI you can see Ted Turner during the Picketts Charge scene, as it was a TNT movie over 4 1/2 hours long. This was so astonishingly real we all felt it at the time. By the way? July 5-8 we are doing it again 155th. If you get a chance? This is well worth seeing. I already heard it's going to be HOT again, around 90. So, if you go, take this into account Gods and Generals we did a full ten years later, and it is a prequel! The final part of the trilogy bounced around for years, but obviously as of this date, it hasn't been done. Everyone that died that day was an American. Remember that. While the war started as to preserve the Union, by this time abolition of slavery was also at the forefront. Not generally known was that Lee designated squads of cavalry to capture and return to Virginia into slavery every black person they could get their hands on, assumed to be about 1200. One, nameless, fought with the army that day. Thanks for reading!!

"Fix Bayonets" If you hear that command on battlefield, the weight on your existence increases 10 fold.

"BAYONETS!!!!!" That never fails to give me chills. Every single time.

What's even more amazing is that Chamberlain did this with roughly half of his men coming from a disbanded unit whose members had revolted when they were not allowed to return home. Despite them only having been assigned to his command the previous day, he was able to gain their respect, and all but four of them fought for him at Little Round Top. That is truly a man of character.

Goddamn, Chamberlain giving the command for Bayonets gives me chills every single time

Joshua L. Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor for ordering and executing this charge. That guy was amazing: Medal of Honor, later promoted to General, professor and then a four-term governor of Maine.

when your infantry has no ammonition left in Napoleon total war

Tactically it was a sound decision. A quick change in tactics from a defensive stand to one of offensive one, catching the Confederates off guard.

General Chamberlain is the embodiment of the citizen soldier. We are talking about a man who was a college professor quit that job and would later go onto win the congressional Medal of Honor and then when it was all over he went back to his job and acted as if it was no big deal. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated hero’s in American military history.

One of the greatest "all or nothing" moments in history.

Joshua Chamberlain - a true American hero and patriot.

I read somewhere that Jeff Daniels, being an intense method actor, travelled back in time and asked a Confederate army to charge at him to simulate what it would have actually been like to help in his role. I'd say the time travel paid off

*_"As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free"_*

As a Mainer, this really boils my clams, if you know what I mean.

I can only imagine the adrenaline that went through the Union's troops when they charged down that hill in the actual Civil War.

When you’re outnumbered, out of ammunition, and surrounded: “BAYONETS!!!!!”

I can't imagine what it must have been like to be in the Confederate ranks, walking up the hill, thinking the Union position is on its last legs, only to see them charging down like maniacs. This scene is awesome.

Maine ALL DAY!!! Grew up in Brunswick, Chamberlain's hometown. We've got a statue of him up in the town square. Him and the 20th Maine saved the country that day. No doubt about it.

1: install Empire: Total War 2: Download Civil War Mod 3: Play as the Union 4: Play historic Lil round top battle 5: hold the Rebs back until my ammo is depleted, my army reduced to 109 men 6: I order Bayonets and sound the charge7: my General is shot and killed in the charge 8: my army routs, the Union falls10/10 would fail history again

America : It's over Confederate i have the high ground Confederate : You underestimate my power America : Don't try it

"We can't run away, we can't shoot so let's fix bayonets."

When the enemy occupies the high ground, do not attack. When the enemy attacks from the high ground, do not oppose him and let him by. Sun Tzu - The Art of War.

Such glorious beards and mustaches... Those where MEN.

I was a combat veteran in Vietnam, this scene brings tears to my eyes. God bless all who endured.

My grandmother lived in Maine and since I learned about Gettysburg, I've felt a connection to the 20th Maine. Over the summer I visited Gettysburg and the last spot I went with my family was to the Monument to the 20th Maine. When we got there there was a bouquet of black eyed Susans sitting on the monument, which, according to my dad, was her favorite flower. In that moment I got chills and started to tear up. Ever since then, this has become one of my favorite scenes, as well as one of the most emotional scenes for me. Those brave men stood their ground and Chamberlain's orders displayed so much courage. Forever this scene, for what it symbolizes, signifies, and my connections to it, will hold new meaning.

I am both amused and shocked to see this clip hit a million views and as much discussion as it's had since I uploaded it. It was intended as a small part of an interactive roleplaying game in combination with other digital tools which I use in teaching history. The game was a huge success for me and my students back in 2013 and 2014, and I assumed it would be watched by us and left to be forgotten. Funnily it spikes a lot every July 2, which of course is when this event took place. Thank you all for watching and commenting!

i always try to imagine what the Confederates must be thinking at 3:10. seeing as they just charged up the hill five times, they probably think they've worn the union army down by now. so for them to go up the hill a sixth time and see the northerners charging down at them, it must have baffled their minds.

Shivers down my spine! And I'm not even an American.... damn!

My great great grandfather was friends with Chamberlain, came to acquire some of his personal effects when Chamberlain passed away. My great great grandfather's name is on a plaque in the Chamberlain House b/c he donated the stuff.

The 20. of Maine saved the Union on that day - long live Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

This I think is the best scene in the entire movie.

Outstanding valor. "There never were harder fighters than the Twentieth Maine men and their gallant Colonel. His skill and persistency and the great bravery of his men saved Little Round Top and the Army of the Potomac from defeat." - Col. William Oats of the 15th Alabama

Nevermind how absolutely epic this scene/moment was: it is a prime example of good leadership. Sizing up the situation, knowing your strengths and-- perhaps more importantly-- your weaknesses, and quickly formulating a bold strategy to achieve your objectives. It is no wonder why 160 years later this battle is still taught at war colleges. But, its tenets can be applied to everyday life, as well.

My great grandfather was a member of the 20th Maine.

As I learned in Army basic, the bayonet is reserved only out of pure desperation. It's psychological impact on the enemy can be devastating-as shown here. The soldiers on both sides used their bayonets mainly as spare tent pegs and a handy candle holder as the rifle had largely made them useless. What's amazing is the 20th Maine was probably down to less than 150 men by this time. For them to capture almost an entire regiment is an astounding feat of arms. (Also knowing that they were the only thing preventing a collapse of the Union flank and fighting to defend their own soil was great motivation.)

I remember seeing this in my 8th grade history class. I had to do a report and I did it on Colonel Chamberlain. What started out as watching something for a history class, turned into one of my all time favorite movies. I'm almost 23 now and this scene and the music gets me every time.

To hell with the Confederacy, long live the Union and long live the United States of America. Proud to be a Mainer.

Not to shabby of a military man for a school teacher.

A good old bayonet charge - I think that only the British Army still has it as a primary method of attack. I know the US Army drills for it, but the British have the honour of the last recorded bayonet charge in Iraq

Killrain's admiring look when Chamberlain decides to charge ... so proud !

The charge that changed the course of the world history. I don't think most of us appreciate how big this victory was.

I love how he plans it out like the huddle before a play in football.

Born and raised in Brunswick, ME home of Joshua Chamberlain the gentleman, the scholar, the governor, the hero. Maine doesn't get in the news much or influence a lot of policy, but on this day her boys saved the country. No doubt about it.

It's over Anakin! I have the high ground!

Confederates: (charge up hill) Joshua Chamberlain: I’m about to destroy these guys’ entire career.

This moment in the battle changed all of world history. Think about it.

Little known fact. Many Nova Scotians who were for the American Civil War, joined this regiment.

This was my favorite movie and scene growing up as a young man. It inspired me so much, I wouldn't be the man I am today if it wasn't for this movie. Weird I know, but this scene really hit home with me a boy growing up in the Midwest. It was so special to see how much the people of America loved their country back then.

My blood boils and I want to scream with ferocity every time he calls “BAYONEEEEEEEEETS!!”

"Wha d'yew meen chyaage?"- Captain Ellis

This is one of the most famous small-unit actions in American military history and is still taught in the army's war college. The best way to experience it at Gettysburg is to stand on the rock where the 20th Maine's line bent back, and read aloud the vivid account of the fight written by John Pullen in his book, "The 20th Maine."

The Chamberlain was a military genius. Fought bravely In many battles and even had his regiment pinned down and he was shot. But he still fought on. The bayonet charge was a piece of military genius using the swinging door tactic to crush the enemy forces. Just amazing

I'm not even American and "BAYONETS" always give me the chills!

Proud Yankee from Michigan nice to see our boys there.

I thought that this was one of the most inspirational and rousing scenes of the movies. Took some brass to do that.

"Bayonets!" Goosebumps is the only word I can come up with that describes the feeling this one-word line always elicits in me. Jeff Daniels did incredible justice to a great American hero in his portrayal of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Fortunately, I live close enough to Gettysburg to have stood several times over the years where Chamberlain stood on Little Round Top. When it's quiet up there, that is truly a humbling experience, and an incredible honor.

This is one of the most stirring scenes in any war movie ever made.

Shelby Foote, a historian from Mississippi, once said that the North pretty much fought the entire war with one hand behind its back. There were about 21 million people living in the North at the beginning of the war, and about 9 million in the South. About 4 million of that 9 million were slaves. Not to mention the shear industrial advantage that the North boasted. Mr. Foote went on to say that if the South had started winning, the North would simply have brought the other hand out. He also said that Southerns can be "strange" when it comes to the Civil War. Truer words were never spoken.

Fear the Yankee Yell: "Chowdaaaahhhh!"

I've been to where this happened at Gettysburg many times, it's always surreal to stand there.

I am from the UK. We visited Gettysburg, PA back in 1999 and my family has long been interested in the Civil War I am distantly related to Lt Charles E. Hazlett who commanded a battery at Little Round Top. He was killed shortly before Chamberlain took over and is mentioned briefly in both the film and novel Great scene

And to think that Joshua Chamberlain, Was a teacher before he became an officer ;P Oh and... BAYONETS!!!

I was born in Tennessee, and was raised with pride in my southern heritage. It is sad that we lost so many good men in this war. Still to this day I consider Joshua Chamberlain to be an American Hero. What an amazing person.

Pure guts and valor on an epic scale. I've never watched this scene without a lump in my throat and tears. "The meaning and the meaninglessness of war",as the poet said.

Really incredible that the cameraman was able to survive such a bloody battle to film the carnage of Gettysburg. My hat's off to you sir.

The Union forever! Down with the Confederacy, down with slavery!

It took me years to realize that veteran character actor Donal Logue played Major Ellis Spear in this movie. He currently plays Harvey Bullock on the FOX TV show, "Gotham."

A great scene of a great moment in our history. One of many last-second heroics displayed by the Union forces during those 3 days. None were outdone by the others and all equally important. Bufford's delay and the 1st corp's arrival day 1, the redemption of the "Harpers Ferry Cowards" and the courageous acts of the Iron and Excelsior brigades throughout the battle. A great in-depth book I would recommend that delves into the inner workings of what led up to and made this battle actually happen and which also provides an unbiased account from both sides into actions and decisions before, during and after the battle is 'Gettysburg: The Last Invasion' by Allen C. Guelzo. Would highly recommend it for those that want to learn specifics of the battle.

General Chamberlain was the last civil war veteran to die from his wounds he received during the Civil war. He passed away in 1914.

The music *makes* this scene. Especially at 1:25 where the men rise to their feet to fix bayonets as it starts.

"We're out of ammunition! What do we do? Fix bayonets, Charge!" Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

CSA: "Noooo you can't do that! We fought all this way! Can't just pull a move like that!" Union: "Haha. Bayonets go chaaaaarge."

This is the moment of brilliance from a college professor with no military experience that literally saved the Union. One person can make a difference.

When discussing the American Civil war, much is always made of Southern courage, honor and steadfastness. Two of my own ancestors fought for the Confederacy, one as a junior officer in the Confederate navy, the other as a trooper in the Texas cavalry. It is important to remember, however, that the Union troops were no less heroic and self-sacrificing in their battles against their Southern compatriots, of which Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Gettysburg is but one example among many. As an American and a Southerner whose grandfather and father served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy during World War I and World War II, respectively, and whose great grandfather was the previously mentioned Texas cavalry trooper, I have nothing but respect and admiration for all of these men who fought and died for the causes in which they sincerely believed. It gives me nothing but pain bordering on tears, however, to think of American men and boys killing, wounding and crippling their fellow Americans, and I pray to God that nothing like it ever happens again. May Americans never again take up arms against Americans.

I think Joshua Chamberlain probably saved the Union with that charge down Little Round Top

I’ve seen this scene countless times and it still gives me a chill down my spine. Simply incredible! Huzzah!

I am a Brit. Not especially interested in the ACW, (though in another life I was a re-enactor, a member of the '24th Virginia infantry' for my sins). My principal interest is military aviation and I was raised on stories of the Zulu Wars, the trenches in WW1 and the Royal Air Force. It's been a long time since I saw this movie but, oh my, what a great achievement Gettysburg is! Rather like the film Battle of Britain, I think it was not properly appreciated at the time of release but has grown in stature ever since. This scene, with the rousing soundtrack and Jeff Daniels just owning it, is powerful testament to what was accomplished on Little Round Top that day. An extraordinary deed. Thanks for the upload.

"CHAAARRRGGGEEE!" *Men edge forward cautiously*

Somewhere, sometime, it was quoted that a soldier of the 15th Alabama (no slouch unit) said something to the effect that as long as they fought they hoped they would never meet any of those boys from the 20th Maine again. The ultimate salute from soldier to soldier.

Every time I go there, I make sure and stop on Little Round Top and walk out to where this happened. It’s chills me to the bone.

Never forget the Alamo! Never forget d-day! Never forget Pearl Harbor! Never forget 9/11! Never forget the 20th Maine! Thank you 20th Maine.

Southern boy, but I respect the the blue

"Sir. Here they come." One of the best lines in all movies

I love this movie, I love this scene, I love the actors, I love the figures they play, I love the battle, I love everything about this scene. Greatest in all of history.

Perhaps the greatest depiction of leadership in combat in Hollywood History. He was not a professional soldier. He was a teacher. He found himself at the critical moment of The Civil War. He observed his situation. He explained the options to his men. He ordered them to follow the only viable option. And he led them forward personally.

This scene together with the background music in the background gives me extreme chills.

This is crazy, watching clips of battle scenes; came from Charge of the Light Brigade, to Napoleon commits the Guard, to Zulu - the last charge, and saw this Gettsburg, 20th Maine bayonet charge at Little Round... for some unfathomable reason, this British/Canuck knew it was Little Round Top.... I don't even know your Civil War History... just watched that clip... blown away... respect...

1:22 the fire in those eyes! What a solid actor

Without a doubt one of the greatest military moves in history saved the day and maybe the war for the union. Chamberlain is a true hero.

How about the 1st Minnesota ? 282 men charged 1400 rebels. 20 came out.

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."-- Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg November 19. 1863

Nothing more thrilling than watching victory being snatched out of the jaws of defeat....