History As It Happens – Episode Summary: "The New Battle for Gettysburg"

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The New Battle for Gettysburg," host Martin Di Caro delves into the enduring legacy of the Battle of Gettysburg and examines the contemporary struggles over historical interpretation spearheaded by recent executive orders. Joined by historian Kevin Levin, the discussion navigates the intersection of history, politics, and memory, highlighting how present-day agendas shape our understanding of pivotal events like Gettysburg.

1. Gettysburg: A Historical Overview

The episode opens with a vivid recounting of the Battle of Gettysburg, underscoring its significance as the bloodiest single battle of the American Civil War.

• Key Statistics:

  • Union Troops: 94,000 engaged, with 23,000 casualties and over 3,100 killed.
  • Confederate Troops: 71,000 engaged, with 28,000 casualties and approximately 3,900 killed.

• Legacy:

  • Designated as a national military park in 1895 and managed by the National Park Service since 1933.
  • Annually attracts about one million visitors, making it the most visited Civil War site in the national park system.

Martin Di Caro sets the stage by highlighting Gettysburg's enduring importance and its role as a symbol of national memory.

2. The New Battle: Executive Orders and Historical Interpretation

Transitioning from the historical battle to the present, Di Caro introduces a new form of conflict—one that is ideological rather than military.

• Introduction of the Executive Order:

  • Date Issued: March (Year unspecified in transcript).
  • Proponent: President Trump.
  • Title: "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."

• Objective:

  • Aimed at removing what the administration labels as "anti-American" ideologies from museums, national parks, and monuments.

At [01:39], Di Caro states:
"But a new battle is underway, and it's not being fought with rifles and cannons, but with executive orders and competing ideas."

3. Impact of President Trump's Executive Order

Historian Kevin Levin provides an in-depth analysis of the executive order's implications.

• Key Points:
  • Scope: Targets National Park Service sites, including Gettysburg, Smithsonian Institution, and various monuments.
  • Criteria for Review: Removal of content deemed divisive, race-centered, or unpatriotic.
  • Implementation Challenges: Lack of clear guidelines and rubrics for evaluation raises concerns about subjective interpretations.

At [05:37], Kevin Levin expresses his concerns:
"I was horrified by the executive order. This is as clear a statement attempting to undercut both history educators in the classroom and public historians."

4. Practical Effects on Gettysburg National Military Park

The discussion shifts to the tangible impacts of the executive order on Gettysburg.

• Budget Cuts:

  • The National Park Service has faced a 25% staff reduction, severely hampering maintenance and interpretive efforts.
  • Additional budget cuts of $1.2 billion have been proposed, exacerbating resource constraints.

• Review Process:

  • Initiated in mid-May following the executive order.
  • Involves evaluating all interpretive assets—monuments, memorials, museum exhibits—for compliance with the administration's guidelines.
  • Expected to continue through July and August, with outcomes yet to be determined.

At [07:32], Levin outlines the review process:
"The Department of Interior sent a memo to all Park Service sites ordering them to begin a review process of all their interpretive assets..."

5. Lost Cause Mythology and Monuments

A significant portion of the episode addresses the controversial "Lost Cause" narrative and its presence in Gettysburg.

• Case Study: North Carolina Monument

  • Inscription: Praises the heroism of North Carolina soldiers, labeling their sacrifices as "unsurpassed."
  • Controversy: Represents Lost Cause ideology by glorifying Confederate soldiers and minimizing the role of slavery in the Civil War.

• Contextualization Efforts:

  • The addition of QR codes at Gettysburg allows visitors to provide feedback on interpretive assets.
  • Despite intentions, feedback has largely supported the existing narratives rather than calling for removals.

At [15:28], Di Caro critiques the monument's inscription:
"That is garbage on that inscription, but it belongs on a battlefield again with a context."

Levin adds:
"The Lost Cause is a narrative that takes shape after the Civil War among defeated white southerners trying to figure out how to move on." ([19:57])

6. The Role of Guides and National Park Service Staff

The episode explores the vital role of guides in shaping visitors' understanding of Gettysburg.

• Types of Guides:

  • National Park Service Guides: Often college graduates with degrees in public history, responsible for general educational tours.
  • Licensed Battlefield Guides (LBG): Specialized guides with exhaustive knowledge of Gettysburg's battle specifics.

• Training and Expertise:

  • LBGs undergo rigorous training akin to an encyclopedic understanding of the battlefield.
  • Both groups are critical in presenting accurate historical narratives to the public.

At [24:57], Levin expresses concern:
"I think we are looking at the beginning of long term damage because...very few students moving forward will consider a career in the National Park Service."

7. Bipartisan Support for Complex Historical Narratives

Contrary to the administration's portrayal, the episode highlights widespread public support for nuanced historical interpretations.

• Public Sentiment:

  • Surveys indicate that both Republicans and Democrats appreciate the complexity of history.
  • Visitors consistently seek comprehensive and challenging narratives at historical sites.

• Host's Observation:

  • Di Caro shares personal experiences of engaging, informed tours at various national sites, reinforcing the demand for balanced historical education.

At [28:15], Di Caro remarks:
"Surveys suggest that both Republicans and Democrats...want that complicated history."

8. Implications for American Historical Sites and the Future

Concluding the discussion, the hosts contemplate the long-term effects of politicizing historical interpretation.

• Concerns:

  • Potential self-censorship among historians and educators.
  • Risk of diminishing public trust in historical institutions.
  • Threat to the preservation of an accurate and inclusive historical record.

• Looking Ahead:

  • Upcoming celebrations like America at 250 may serve as battlegrounds for competing historical narratives.
  • The outcome of current executive orders will significantly influence how history is taught and remembered in future generations.

At [29:02], Levin anticipates:
"The Trump administration is doing whatever it can to control how this commemoration unfolds."

Conclusion

"The New Battle for Gettysburg" encapsulates the ongoing struggle to define and preserve historical truth amidst political pressures. Through insightful dialogue, Martin Di Caro and Kevin Levin illuminate the delicate balance between memory and narrative, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding an honest portrayal of history for future generations.

Notable Quotes:

• Martin Di Caro [05:00]:
  "Why is it problematic? What stage is this all in?"

• Kevin Levin [21:26]:
  "The Lost Cause is a narrative that takes shape after the Civil War among defeated white southerners trying to figure out how to move on."

• Martin Di Caro [28:15]:
  "Surveys suggest that both Republicans and Democrats...want that complicated history."

Stay Tuned

In the next episode of History As It Happens, political theorist Robert Cohen Rohan explores Donald Trump's foreign policy and its impact on American soft power. Tune in every Tuesday and Friday for more conversations that bridge the past and present.