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Why did Lee order Pickett’s Charge?
====The reasoning for Robert E. Lee ordering Pickett’s charge is simple. Not only was Lee hoping for that one last chance for the Confederates to win their cause for slavery, but he had an awfully large ego as well. After his many victories against the Union, Lee’s confidence was at an all time high, and invading Pennsylvania was his goal (Kennedy 462).====

====One of General Lee’s first notorious victories that was intended to help his cause for the south took place near Richmond, Virginia from June 26 to July 2, 1862. It all started with Union General George B. McClellan against “Stonewall” Jackson (Kennedy 455). Soon after, he was stalled by “Jeb” Stuarts Confederate Calvary, which put him in the perfect position for Lee. General Lee launched the attack that would be known as the Seven Days’ Battles (Kennedy 455). This victory was referred to as “brilliant,” encouraging Lee’s overly confident attitude, and seemingly getting him closer to achieving the goal of the south.====

====The next of his well known successes was the Second Battle of Bull Run, from August 29 to August 30, 1862. This battle between General Lee and General John Pope was a very quick and simple win for the Confederates. Even though the force under Lee was split, the victory was still astonishing and undeniable (Bhfrik). Obviously, this victory gave General Lee a major ego boost, and he decided he could go on and do even better. Though his next battle at Antietam Creek, Maryland turned out to be a draw against McClellan, Lee still gained something; a little more arrogance, and the chance to cross the Potomac (Kennedy 458).====

====The last of Lee’s victories before the order of Pickett’s charge was a battle at Chancellorsville, Virginia from May 2 to May 4 1863. Once again, Lee divided his force and sent “Stonewall” Jackson to attack the Union (Bhfrik). While Jackson was killed amidst this attack, there was still victory again for General Lee. When it came to the troops of Lee against the troops of General Hooker, Hooker was crushed. Needless to say, Lee was very proud of this victory. This immense amount of confidence gave Lee the idea that he could once again try to invade the North, and this time through Pennsylvania. This victory, he hoped would strengthen foreign intervention, and finally win the cause of the south for slavery (Kennedy 462).====

====Lee invaded Pennsylvania, and ordered what would be known as Pickett’s Charge. What he thought would be a great victory, his fellow Confederate General James Longstreet, did not (Bhfrik). But with Lee’s arrogance leading the way, the doubts of Longstreet were of no matter to him. Lee put George Pickett in charge of the troops for this battle, again a decision Longstreet did not agree with, and expected it to be another success. Unfortunately for Lee though, his plan, which lasted from July 1 to July 3 1863, was ultimately a failure (The University).====

====So with Lee’s overly confident attitude and determination to fight for the southern cause, he ordered Pickett’s Charge. The attack was the Confederate’s last chance at getting their way with slavery. Lee was so sure about being victorious in this attack just like the others, but in the end, it was just a giant bruise to his ego.====

Bibliography:
==== Bhfrik. "The Battle of Gettysburg: Why Did Robert E. Lee Order Pickett's Charge?" //Helium//. Helium, 30 Jan. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. . ====