What was Pickett's Charge?
Q: What was Pickett's Charge?
A: Pickett's Charge was an infantry attack ordered by Confederate General Robert E. Lee against Maj. Gen. George G. Meade's Union positions on July 3, 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.
Q: Who led the charge?
A: Lt. Gen. James Longstreet was in charge of the attack and it was named after Maj. Gen. George Pickett, who was one of three Confederate generals who led the attack under Longstreet.
Q: Why did General Lee order this attack?
A: General Lee hoped to attack the Union center on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg after Confederate attacks on both Union sides had failed the day and night before.
Q: How far did they march?
A: The Confederates marched over open fields for three-quarters of a mile under heavy Union artillery and rifle fire in order to reach their target destination on Cemetery Ridge.
Q: What happened when they reached their destination?
A: Some Confederates were able to get past the low stone wall that many of the Union defenders hid behind, however they could not hold this area and were pushed back by Union forces resulting in a defeat for them with over 50% casualties suffered by those involved in Pickett's Charge alone.
Q: What were some strategies used prior to launching Pickett's Charge?
A: Prior to launching Pickett's Charge, a large artillery attack took place with hopes that it would weaken or damage any potential defenses from Union forces; however, it did not work well as intended and ultimately resulted in failure for Confederate forces during this battle at Gettysburg .
Q: What did General Pickett say about why his charge failed? A: When asked why his charge at Gettysburg failed, General Pickett said "I've always thought the Yankees had something to do with it."
