Asked by Makayla

What mistake did General Meade make after the Battle of Gettysburg?

pursuing Lee and getting caught in another battle
thinking the battle was over too soon and getting caught off guard
letting Lee get away and not pursuing him
not leaving troops at Gettysburg to keep it safe

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
letting Lee get away and not pursuing him

After Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863) Meade allowed Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia to withdraw across the Potomac back into Virginia instead of pressing an aggressive pursuit. He was cautious — his troops were exhausted and he feared a counterattack — but his failure to strike while Lee was retreating has been widely criticized.