Confederate soldiers during Pickett’s charge. 1/72 Strelets-148

Pickett’s Charge was one of the most iconic episodes of the American Civil War, occurring on July 3, 1863 during the Battle of Gettysburg. Led by General George Pickett, it was part of a massive assault ordered by Confederate General Robert E. Lee to break through Union lines. The attack involved some 12,500 Confederate soldiers advancing across an open field under constant Union artillery and rifle fire. Despite their bravery, the charge was a disaster. The Confederate force was decimated, suffering massive casualties and failing to achieve its objective of breaking through the enemy front. This failure marked a turning point in the war, as the Confederate army was weakened and forced to retreat. Pickett’s charge is remembered as an example of courage, but also as a questionable tactical decision that sealed the fate of the Southern army at Gettysburg.