Pickett's Charge: Last Assault at Gettysburg
Pickett's Charge was the climactic assault on the last day of the Battle of Gettysburg, involving approximately 12,500 Confederate soldiers led by General George Pickett. This bold offensive aimed to breach the center of the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge but ultimately resulted in heavy Confederate casualties. As they advanced across open fields under intense artillery and rifle fire, many troops were unable to reach their objective. The failure of this charge marked a turning point in the American Civil War, as it shifted the momentum in favor of the Union forces.
Pickett's Charge involved 12,500 Confederate troops.
The charge was a response to Union defenses.
Heavy casualties marked the failed assault.
Gettysburg became a turning point in the Civil War.
What Happened?
On the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered his forces to launch an all-out assault against the Union's defensive positions. This attack, known as Pickett's Charge, involved a three-quarter-mile march across open ground, exposing the Confederate soldiers to devastating artillery fire from Union positions on Cemetery Ridge. General George Pickett led the charge, commanding about 12,500 troops. The assault commenced around 3 p.m. after an intense bombardment meant to soften the Union defenses, which proved largely ineffective. Union artillery quickly responded, leading to tremendous losses among the attacking Confederate troops.As Confederate soldiers approached the Union lines, they faced withering fire, and many fell to the ground before ever reaching their target. The Union forces, reinforced by additional troops, held strong against the assault. Although some Confederates managed to briefly penetrate the Union lines, they were quickly driven back in a fierce and bloody clash. The aftermath of Pickett's Charge saw staggering casualties; approximately 50% of the Confederate attackers became casualties. The failure of this charge marked a significant turning point in the Civil War, not only demonstrating the tactical challenges of frontal assaults but also leading to the retreat of Lee's army from Pennsylvania.
Why Does it Matter?
The failure of Pickett's Charge had profound implications for the outcome of the American Civil War. It marked the end of the three-day Battle of Gettysburg, which is frequently regarded as a pivotal moment in the conflict. The defeat severely diminished the fighting capabilities of the Confederate Army and marked the beginning of a series of Union victories. Moreover, Gettysburg is often seen as the turning point in the war that shifted the balance of power to the Union, encouraging Northern morale and support for the war effort.