Joshua Chamberlain Timeline and Summary

As the book begins, Chamberlain discovers he has a tough task. A bunch of potentially mutinous men are joining his regiment, the 20th Maine, and he has the license to shoot them if they refuse to fight. Fortunately, he's able to convince almost all of them to keep fighting by giving a stirring speech on the Union Cause.
As the men head towards Gettysburg, Chamberlain reflects on his life in Maine and chats with other soldiers.
Eventually, the men discover a runaway slave who's been shot and wounded. Chamberlain overcomes initial racist feelings to acknowledge the slave as a human equal.
Chamberlain and Kilrain discuss the causes of the war. Chamberlain comes off as a more serious abolitionist, whereas what Kilrain wants to destroy is the Southern aristocracy.
Hustled into position at the end of the Union line on Little Round Top on the second day of battle, Chamberlain leads his men as they bravely defend the hill from the Confederates.
With his soldiers running out of ammo, Chamberlain orders a bayonet charge that saves the day.
On the third day of the battle, Chamberlain's regiment is moved to Cemetery Ridge, the part of the line that's seen the least action. Ironically, this is exactly where Pickett's Charge happens.
Chamberlain survives the Confederate bombardment and charge and witnesses the Confederates' defeat.
As he and his soldiers prepare to leave the battlefield, Chamberlain reflects on the bravery of his opponents and the triumph of the anti-slavery cause.