Final answer:
The text does not directly address Chamberlain's conclusions about the fallen Confederates, but historical context suggests a mixture of grief and pride was felt by Southerners. The South maintained a sense of honor despite the loss, with diverse perspectives existing within their society regarding the Confederacy's end.
Step-by-step explanation:
As we look into the conclusion that Chamberlain came to while observing the fallen Confederates, the provided text does not directly specify Chamberlain's thoughts. However, by examining the context and related historical insights, we can infer the complex emotions that were likely felt by many during the aftermath of the Civil War.
Figures like Gary Gallagher point out that most Southerners did not accept the idea that secession was illegal, suggesting that the authority to enforce the Union's view came from military power rather than constitutional legality. Elizabeth Pendleton Hardin expresses a deep sorrow for the loss of the Confederacy's quest for independence, indicating that those who believed in the cause felt that they had lost a significant part of their lives.
Conversely, figures like Mary Chesnut highlight the diverse perspectives within the South, with some expressing relief or discomfort with the hierarchical social order the Confederacy represented. When the war ended, General Lee acknowledged the depth of the South's loss but emphasized the need to protect their honor, further suggesting a pride mingled with grief amongst the Confederates.
The photographic evidence of Gettysburg's casualties in Figure 16.11 and the eventual yielding by the Confederates after relentless Union campaigns, including the defeat at Gettysburg and surrender at Appomattox Court House, paint a picture of a beaten but not entirely dishonored South.
In this light, it is probable that Chamberlain, Lincoln, and others who observed the fallen, recognized the multifaceted pain, pride, and complexity of feelings that both sides experienced in the aftermath of such a devastating conflict.