The Impact of Pickett's Charge and General Lee's Decision

Pickett's Charge was one of the most famous and tragic events of the American Civil War, marking a pivotal moment in the Battle of Gettysburg. This charge, led by Major General George Pickett, aimed to break through Union lines on the third day of the battle. While the charge demonstrated the determination and bravery of Confederate troops, it also exhausted Lee's offensive capacity, leading to significant consequences for the Confederate army. This article explores the impact of Pickett's Charge and why General Robert E. Lee chose not to surrender after his failed attack.

Pickett's Charge: A Devastating Assault

Pickett's Charge is renowned for its sheer scale and brutality. On July 3, 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee ordered a massive infantry assault on the Union lines at Cemetery Ridge. The charge involved approximately 12,500 men from the divisions of Pickett, Pettigrew, and Trimble. These troops advanced across a mile of open fields, facing withering artillery and rifle fire from the Union positions. The charge was a desperate attempt to win the battle, but it ultimately resulted in heavy casualties. The Confederate losses were staggering, with estimates suggesting that between 50% and 60% of the attackers were either killed, wounded, or captured.

The aftermath of the charge was grim. The marked casualties and demoralization took a significant toll on the Confederate army. The precision and coordination needed for such an assault were simply not achieved, and the result was a decisive failure. This loss did not just represent a single day of battle but a severe blow to the Confederate army's offensive capabilities. Emotionally and physically drained, the Confederate troops retreated on the 5th of July. General Lee faced a critical decision: retreat or attempt another assault? In the end, he chose retreat, and President Davis dismissed his resignation offer, leaving the command in Lee's hands.

The Aftermath for the Confederacy

The impact of Pickett's Charge extended far beyond the battlefield. The severe losses inflicted on the Confederate army were devastating, not just in terms of casualties but also in terms of morale and resources. The Army of Northern Virginia, which had been demonstrative in its offensive operations as seen in Chancellorsville, was now significantly weakened. The battle at Gettysburg led to a staggering 23,049 Confederate casualties, including nearly 3,000 killed and 4,000 missing, compared to 23,094 Union casualties, including 3,155 killed.

Back in the North, the Union suffered fewer casualties but the emotional and economic impact was significant. New York and Boston experienced draft riots in the wake of the battle, contributing to a wider anti-war movement. The economic and political climate was also affected, with the Greenback currency losing value and anti-war groups gaining support. Despite the victory, the North did not celebrate a clear military triumph due to these ongoing social and economic issues.

General Lee's Decision and Surrender

General Lee faced a crucial decision after Pickett's Charge. The offensive strategy that had marked the outset of the battle was no longer viable. Lee's forces were no longer in a position to launch a successful counterattack, and the morale of his troops was at an all-time low. The Confederate General Robert E. Lee, known for his strategic genius, now had to consider whether to continue the fight or seek a resolution through surrender.

The first day of the Battle of Gettysburg was a decisive Confederate success, with the armies controlling both the Round Tops. On the second day, the close control of the Union forces around those high points could have turned the tide. However, Pickett's Charge on the third day marked the end of active Confederate offensive operations for the battle. Despite the heavy casualties, the Confederate forces were not routed or destroyed. By the end of the fourth day, the Army of Northern Virginia was significantly weakened, but it still held its ground.

Given the context of the battle and the state of his forces, General Lee had two options: retreat or surrender. However, the option to surrender was not a viable one at that time given the political and social implications. The Union forces, though victorious, were also greatly challenged. They had suffered significant losses and were also dealing with political and economic pressures. The moral and physical fortitude of the Union forces was also under strain, making an immediate pursuit of the Confederate army unlikely.

Therefore, despite the strategic failure of Pickett's Charge, General Lee chose to retreat rather than surrender. This decision, while costly, preserved the Confederate forces for future battles. The resilience and determination of Lee and his troops in the face of such a devastating blow have become legendary.