Final answer:
General John Buford made the critical decision to position his Union forces on high ground at Gettysburg.
Step-by-step explanation:
On the first day of the battle, General John Buford made the critical decision to position his Union forces on high ground at Gettysburg. General John Buford made the critical decision to position his Union forces on high ground at Gettysburg.
This defensive position gave the Union a strategic advantage as it forced General Robert E. Lee and the Confederate forces to either attack or withdraw. General John Buford made the critical decision to position his Union forces on high ground at Gettysburg. Buford's decision ultimately played a crucial role in the outcome of the battle.