One of the major ill-decisions made by Lee that contributed to the overall defeat of the Confederate army at the Battle of Gettysburg was the ordering of Pickett’s Charge. Pickett’s Charge is considered one of the most famous events during the three day battle. It took place on the third day when Lee ordered General George Pickett plus six brigades from adjacent corps to charge up the middle of Cemetery Hill where the Federal center was located and ultimately unhinge Meade’s entire force. The plan was an intricate one that involved 13,000 troops charging straight up the middle of the Union ranks preceded by artillery bombardment at the intended point of attack. Additional reinforcements were also appointed to exploit the break. Finally,
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Lee contributed the most to the South’s eventual defeat of the Confederates at the Battle of Gettysburg, but without the superb leadership of the Union general during this battle, it could have ended in a different result. Because of more popular names like Ulysses S. Grant and Stonewall Jackson, George Meade is often considered the forgotten general of the American Civil War. The three days at Gettysburg were the only three days that Meade had in command of the army, and with those days, he not only stopped the march on Washington by the Southern army, but he ultimately defeated the Confederacy’s most skilled general in what can be considered the most important battle in the Civil War. This same statement cannot be said for any of his predecessors. His competency in leadership at this battle can be attributed to his decorated battle experiences. After graduating from West Point, he was stationed in Florida where he helped in battles against the Seminole Indians. He also served during the Mexican American War where he was eventually promoted to first lieutenant for is actions. Finally during the early years of the Civil War, he participated in several significant operations including the Peninsula Campaign, Second Battle of Bull Run, and Antietam. He was known for being cautious but competent. After Abraham Lincoln appointed him commanding General of the Army of the Potomac, he led the defense against Lee at …show more content…
Lee and his Confederate army found themselves in retreat from the city of Gettysburg. The South would never again launch an assault on Northern soil. The Union army under George Meade was successful in defending Washington D.C. After this battle, it was all defensive for Lee and his army which eventually led to their surrender, and the end of the Civil War in favor of the Union. It can be seen that leadership decisions made on both sides of the battle helped lead to the conclusion of the battle. One of the most skilled generals of the time showed weakness in decisions from poor preparation for the battle, lack of loyalty in his supporting leadership, poor grounds for launching assaults, and underestimation of his opponent. Coupled with the strong leadership exhibited by the Northern general, the outcome was certain. This battle alone shows that effective leadership is important, but the absence of leadership or the lack of proper judgement is equally as dramatic in its
Lee contributed the most to the South’s eventual defeat of the Confederates at the Battle of Gettysburg, but without the superb leadership of the Union general during this battle, it could have ended in a different result. Because of more popular names like Ulysses S. Grant and Stonewall Jackson, George Meade is often considered the forgotten general of the American Civil War. The three days at Gettysburg were the only three days that Meade had in command of the army, and with those days, he not only stopped the march on Washington by the Southern army, but he ultimately defeated the Confederacy’s most skilled general in what can be considered the most important battle in the Civil War. This same statement cannot be said for any of his predecessors. His competency in leadership at this battle can be attributed to his decorated battle experiences. After graduating from West Point, he was stationed in Florida where he helped in battles against the Seminole Indians. He also served during the Mexican American War where he was eventually promoted to first lieutenant for is actions. Finally during the early years of the Civil War, he participated in several significant operations including the Peninsula Campaign, Second Battle of Bull Run, and Antietam. He was known for being cautious but competent. After Abraham Lincoln appointed him commanding General of the Army of the Potomac, he led the defense against Lee at …show more content…
Lee and his Confederate army found themselves in retreat from the city of Gettysburg. The South would never again launch an assault on Northern soil. The Union army under George Meade was successful in defending Washington D.C. After this battle, it was all defensive for Lee and his army which eventually led to their surrender, and the end of the Civil War in favor of the Union. It can be seen that leadership decisions made on both sides of the battle helped lead to the conclusion of the battle. One of the most skilled generals of the time showed weakness in decisions from poor preparation for the battle, lack of loyalty in his supporting leadership, poor grounds for launching assaults, and underestimation of his opponent. Coupled with the strong leadership exhibited by the Northern general, the outcome was certain. This battle alone shows that effective leadership is important, but the absence of leadership or the lack of proper judgement is equally as dramatic in its