Unveiling the Epic Confrontation at Gettysburg: The Great Charge and Artillery Fighting at Pickett's Charge

The Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War, witnessed one of the most iconic and fateful charges in military history: Pickett's Charge. This daring assault by Confederate General George Pickett's division against Union lines on the third day of the battle has been the subject of countless books, documentaries, and historical analyses.

In his comprehensive work, "The Great Charge And Artillery Fighting At Gettysburg Pickett Charge," renowned historian Bruce Catton delves deep into this pivotal event, shedding light on its strategic significance, execution, and tragic aftermath. Through meticulous research and vivid prose, Catton transports readers to the heart of the battlefield, offering a captivating account of the charge and the artillery duels that framed it.

The Great Charge and Artillery Fighting at Gettysburg (Pickett's Charge))

by Edward Porter Alexander

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	15 pages
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Epic Scale and Strategic Importance

Pickett's Charge represented a desperate gamble by Confederate General Robert E. Lee to break the Union lines and secure a decisive victory. Confederate casualties had been mounting throughout the battle, and Lee believed that a bold offensive could turn the tide.

Catton meticulously describes the size and makeup of Pickett's division, consisting of 15,000 men in three brigades. He highlights the diversity of the Confederate troops, including veteran Virginians, North Carolinians, and Alabamians.

The Union forces facing Pickett's charge were equally formidable, anchored by the Army of the Potomac under General George Meade. Catton outlines the defensive positions of the Union soldiers, who had spent days fortifying their lines with earthworks, rifle pits, and artillery batteries.

The Charge and its Bloody Repulse

The Great Charge commenced on July 3, 1863, at approximately 3:00 PM. Catton narrates the sequence of events in gripping detail, describing the Confederate soldiers emerging from a wooded area and marching across an open field toward the Union lines.

He captures the ferocity of the fighting, as the Confederates encountered a barrage of Union artillery fire and musketry. The Union soldiers held their ground, their defensive positions and superior firepower proving too strong for the charging Confederates.

The result was a devastating defeat for Pickett's division. Within an hour, the charge had been repulsed, leaving thousands of Confederate soldiers dead, wounded, or captured. Catton provides poignant accounts of the carnage and the personal stories behind the fallen.

The Role of Artillery

While Pickett's Charge is often remembered as an infantry assault, Catton emphasizes the crucial role played by artillery throughout the battle. Union and Confederate artillery batteries engaged in fierce duels, their fire shaping the course of the fighting.

Catton describes the different types of artillery employed, from the powerful Parrott guns to the lighter 12-pounder Napoleons. He provides technical details about the range, accuracy, and firepower of the artillery, and explores the impact of artillery fire on the morale of both sides.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Great Charge marked a turning point in the Battle of Gettysburg. The Confederate defeat shattered Lee's hopes of a decisive victory, and the Union forces gained the momentum they needed to ultimately win the battle.

Catton examines the legacy of Pickett's Charge, both in the immediate aftermath and its lasting impact on American history. He explores the controversies surrounding the decision to make the charge, the heroism and sacrifice of the Confederate soldiers, and the significance of the battle as a turning point in the Civil War.

Bruce Catton's "The Great Charge And Artillery Fighting At Gettysburg Pickett Charge" is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Through rigorous research and captivating storytelling, Catton provides an immersive account of one of the most epic and tragic events in American history.

By delving into the strategic significance, execution, and aftermath of Pickett's Charge, Catton sheds light on the complexities and horrors of the conflict while also paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers on both sides. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the human toll of war and the enduring legacy of Gettysburg, a battle that shaped the destiny of a nation.

The Great Charge and Artillery Fighting at Gettysburg (Pickett's Charge))

by Edward Porter Alexander

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	15 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE