Who is Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain from The Last Full Measure and what is their importance?

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain became noticed after his bayonet charge in the Battle of Gettysburg, and he continued to lead his forces courageously and effectively while under Grant's leadership. His character, however, provides a different perspective on the Civil War.

Chamberlain ponders the nature of war and what it might mean, something that isn't as important for those who's chosen military careers prior to the war. Chamberlain serves because of the war, without it, he would have followed a far different path in academics. While other generals debate over various details of the war, Chamberlain reflects on the fading importance of it as the world moves onward toward the mechanized World War I.