Posted by frank bodden on May 03, 2000 at 22:58:12:
In Reply to: Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg posted by Matthew R. Miller on January 31, 2000 at 09:18:22:
Dear Matthew,
Regarding your message that Pickett's Charge was the most important battle, I think you are probably correct. After Lee sent his troops to be slaughtered across a level, open field, as the remnants of his troops returned, he made a statement something to the effect that, "It is all my fault."
Longstreet begged him to attack from the flank, but Lee believe straight across the field was the only way to go. This caused a huge rift between the two generals, and many southerners, who worshipped Lee, never forgave Longstreet for questioning Lee's order to send Pickett's men.
Also as important to the South's defeat at Gettysburg was Joshua Champerlains defense of Little Roundtop. This was the high ground that gave the Yankees an advantage. Again, a stubborn southern leader gave the order to attack straight up Little Roundtop instead of attacking the flank; and also George Armstrong Custer's defeat, or at least a stalemate, of Jeb Stuart's calvary at Hanover, about five miles away from Gettysburg. Stuart was Lee's "eye," his information gatherer, and Custer stopped him cold from rejoining Lee and giving Lee calvary support and information.
But, yes, Pickett's charge broke the South's back. Good luck with your report.