Pickett's division was only one of several confederate units ordered to attack that day. To understand why Picketts charge was ordered, you have to understand the larger picture. The reason for Robert E. Lee's campaign against the North at this time in the war was his desire to follow up his victory at Chancellorsville with a successful invasion far enough into the North that the northern politicians would be convinced to give up their support of the war. In other words, he hoped to destroy their morale and their will to fight by gaining so much ground that they would think their cause hopeless. His advance into the north was stopped at Gettysburg where a fierce battle took place over three days. On the third day, Lee hoped to finally win the battle. He ordered the union lines bombarded with cannonfire and then 12,000 confederate troops were to charge across the open field. Picketts charge was just one part of that attack, but has gained historical significance due to the 50% loss of Confederate soldiers, including nearly all the officers who participated that day.
Pickett's charge happened as a last resort to win the battle. General Lee wanted to try and attempt a siege so he sent Pickett, to charge at the union front line. they failed horribly and were sent home and the war then turned into a defensive battle for the south.
(NOTE: at the Gettysburg battle site there is a small monument showing the furthest point the confederates got north, referred to as the watermark.)
Perhaps in desperation, he decided that, since a flanking maneuver was no longer possible, a frontal attack might break the line and allow a battle of penetration. Witnesses attest that "his blood was up," meaning that he was angry. It seems to have been an emotional decision.
he had gone insane. this was a Bad decision.
because all the other soldiers were scared of him
One division was comanded by Major General George Pickett and is known as Pickett's Charge although he was ordered to stay in back by Gen.Robert E Lee. The fault of this charge does not fall upon Picketts shoulders nor are the other two division commanders (Pettigrew and Trimble) to be faulted. Lieutenant General James Longstreet obeyed General Robert E. Lee who planned and ordered the charge.Pickett,
Lee's insistence on Pickett's Charge doomed the South to failure.
I am thinking it is General Robert E. Lee and General George B. McClellan. Not sure, but, heard from my teacher.
He is one of the most famous and prominent generals of the Confederate South.
Robert Lee Perrill goes by Bob, and Robert Perrill.
During the Third day of the Battle of Gettysbug in 1863. But it was not Lee who ordered it, it was Pickett.
Pickett's Charge was a last-ditch attempt by a desperate Robert E. Lee to defeat General George Meade a the Battle of Gettysburg. Lee sent 15,000 men uphill through an open field at the Union lines in the hills above town. Barely 6,000 of them survived.
No. If it had, Gettysburg probably would not have ended the way it did and Lee would have marched even farther north.
No, I think General Lee took too much undeserved blame upon himself. Lee was an excellent military strategist who ran into another officer's part of the mistake.
Most certainly the doubts and reluctance of Longstreet at the last minute cost General Lee that battle.
Robert E. Lee
A number of famous things occured at the Battle of Gettysburg things such as: Picketts Charge Battle of Little Round Top Lee's Retreat Ended Lee's Northern Campaign and many more.
Robert E. Lee
General Robert E. Lee
One division was comanded by Major General George Pickett and is known as Pickett's Charge although he was ordered to stay in back by Gen.Robert E Lee. The fault of this charge does not fall upon Picketts shoulders nor are the other two division commanders (Pettigrew and Trimble) to be faulted. Lieutenant General James Longstreet obeyed General Robert E. Lee who planned and ordered the charge.Pickett,
Authority to do something can be accepted by a subordinate but the responsicibilty remains that of the delegator. General Lee delegated authority for Picketts charge but knew he had to accept responsibility for the result. The responsibility to carry out the order requires that both parties have responsibility but the overall responsibility remains with delegator of the authority.
Lee's insistence on Pickett's Charge doomed the South to failure.