What was "Pickett's Charge" during the Battle of Gettysburg?

Pickett's Charge refers to a significant assault made by Confederate forces during the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. Specifically, this charge occurred on July 3, when Confederate Major General George Pickett led about 12,500 troops in a direct attack against the center of Union forces positioned on Cemetery Ridge. The assault was intended to break the Union line and was characterized by a long, vulnerable advance across open ground, which was heavily defended by Union artillery and infantry.

This attack is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the battle as it represented the Confederate Army's final significant effort to secure a victory at Gettysburg. The failure of Pickett's Charge resulted in heavy casualties for the Confederates and marked a turning point in the Civil War, as it greatly diminished their capacity to conduct offensive operations in the North and led to a strategic shift in the Union's favor.

The other options do not accurately describe Pickett's Charge, as they refer to actions or concepts unrelated to the direct assault undertaken by Pickett’s troops. Understanding this context helps grasp the significance of the charge within the overall narrative of the Battle of Gettysburg and its impact on the Civil War.