Why do you think Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett's charge at Gettysburg?

Question

I am southern born and bred and greatly admire Lee, but have always puzzled at this choice. I realize the intention was to take out the Union artillery, but still... Any ideas you can share with me? Thanks.

Thanks for the input. The order seems to me so uncharacteristic of Lee. His argument with Longstreet baffles me.

Answer 1

The charge was one of Lee's greatest military blunders of the Civil War. Charging against positions entrenched on higher ground with massed artillery over an open field of fire. The results were the same at Fredricksburg, but the roles were reversed, both fatal and futile attacks.

In defense of Lee, many historians have pointed out that Lee felt the largest artillery bombardment of the war would've soften up the Union Line. Also the attacks on the Union Left at Little Round top and Culp's Hill the previous day had left the Union Center weakened.

The Southern artillery barrage overshot their targets and because of the 'hook' shape of the battlefield, the North was able to easily reinforce the center.

In any event, Lee should've listened to Longstreets pleading to circle the Union left on the 2nd coming upon the exposed artillery train and supply wagons.

Answer 2

The charge was designed to take out an artillary position. The fact that it wasn't called off after the first couple thousand men would fall on General Pickett. Nobody had any idea that the position was so well defended (it was in a grouping of trees on a small rise) or that the field had so many obstacles. It was tragic.

Answer 3

That or Pickett was a hell of a crazy man; courageous and loyal, but crazy non the less.

Answer 4

Pickett had his orders, but not necesarily specific