Gods and Generals

Revealing mistake: DVD Side B. Just before the cannon burst near General Lee and his officers at Fredericksburg, you can see a Confederate soldier with the sponge rammer using it to the side of the cannon bore. This cannon must have been a actual field piece since the bore in the scene was most likely blocked. The sponge rammer consisted of a sponge-head of elm or poplar and covered with wool. The number one man of an artillery crew drove the sponge to the bottom of the bore and turned it numerous times to put out any embers from the previous firing of the piece. The rammer head was made of hard wood, generally elm or beech. The number two man would place the shell inside the bore, and number one would use the rammer to shove it down the bore with a single stroke. (00:02:25)

Revealing mistake: When the Yankees are moving along the field taking artillery fire, a shot shows a shell landing in a group of men, in which a few go flying. When one lands in front of the camera, you can see the ground lift up and the sound of him hitting the mat instead of the ground. (On Disc 2). (00:08:10)

BillyBlake

Revealing mistake: When Lee, Longstreet and Jackson are riding through the streets of Fredricksburg, just after the old man has spoken to them, the damaged houses in the background are obviously from a painting. Easiest way to tell is that the street is full of people, up until a certain point. (00:28:25)

Daz

Gods and Generals mistake picture

Revealing mistake: In the Fredericksburg battle scene, just after the Union officer orders the men to fall back, there is a 1 or 2 second close-up shot of a Confederate soldier taking a hit and falling back. As he does, a modern wristwatch is visible on his left wrist under the sleeve of his coat. (01:49:49)

Revealing mistake: As Jackson and his men ride up to a big house which he is told is at Chancellor's Crossing, there is smoke coming from the chimneys, especially the one at the left. The scene goes on for over 15 seconds and the smoke never moves. Even on a bitter cold night the smoke would rise and move even if slowly. Obviously the big house is a background painting. (01:50:00)

William Lanigan

Revealing mistake: When Jackson and his entourage ride in front of a big house at what he is told is Chancellor's Crossing, there is smoke coming out of the chimneys, especially the one on the left. Jackson and Jim stay there for almost 19 seconds and the smoke never moves, neither rising or blowing to the side as real smoke would. Obviously the house and background are a painting. (01:50:52)

William Lanigan

Revealing mistake: Towards the end of the movie, as Jackson's Corps is attacking the exposed Federal right flank during the Battle of Chancellorsville, when the Confederate forces begin overrunning the Federal encampment, they sweep past two artillery pieces. Notice the second gun - it has a blocked barrel (filled with concrete). Must have been a memorial piece that was on/near the Chancellorsville battlefield.

Bruce

Other mistake: In the battle for Fredricksburg you can see streaks in the sky from jets.

More mistakes in Gods and Generals

Gen. 'Stonewall' Jackson: In the Army of the Shenandoah, you were the First Brigade! In the Army of the Potomac you were the First Brigade! In the Second Corps of this Army, you are the First Brigade! You are the First Brigade in the affections of your general, and I hope by your future deeds and bearing you will be handed down the posterity as the First Brigade in this our Second War of Independence. God Speed.

More quotes from Gods and Generals

Trivia: Ted Turner can be seen saying "We owe you Texas boys a debt of gratitude ..." in the Bonnie Blue Flag scene on Side B. He is also visible throughout the scene in views of the audience. Ted Turner commissioned the movie. (00:42:30)

More trivia for Gods and Generals

Question: It takes more than skilled generals and troops to win - without food, and supplies, skill is just an empty threat. Why didn't the south realise this during the time the movie takes place?

Answer: Pride, honor, and respect were some of the characteristics of a Southerner's perspective during the Civil War, and did not change through the war. At this point of the war, however, the Confederates knew they were now on the defensive, no longer fighting for either slavery or states' rights, but the survival of their land, farms, and homes against foreign invaders (Union troops) who were using "scorched earth" tactics to break the South's will and ability to fight. That alone, kept them fighting even though victory was not going to happen for them.

What are scorched earth tactics?

Destruction of farms, crops, livestock. Also destroy every town that the Union troops arrive at.

More questions & answers from Gods and Generals

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