In the American Civil War, there were many important battles that contributed to the victory of the Union Army and the defeat of the Confederacy. One of those that could be considered the most significant was the Battle of Gettysburg. A three-day scuffle that essentially led to the dismantling of the entire Southern war effort, Gettysburg is remembered as the largest and bloodiest battle of the war. However, the final assault by the Confederate army on the third day of the war was detrimental to the overall outcome of the battle. This brutal blow is also a perfect testimony to the Confederate soldier's courage and passion for his cause and ideals. In other words, it takes sincere discipline to march across open prairies in plain sight and rush headlong into a heavily fortified position controlled by the enemy. This attack is best known as Pickett's Charge, an all-out Confederate offensive that resulted in immense casualties for both sides involved. Before detailing the actual battle, it is important to understand why General Lee wanted to invade Pennsylvania in the first place. While this applies to the big picture of Gettysburg, it is still significant to help understand what happened during the fight and the events leading up to it. With all odds stacked against them, they advanced into the heart of the Union line and fought for what they believed was right, but what was the intended purpose? First, winning a battle on Northern territory had the potential to grant the Southern government foreign recognition and potentially assistance in the war that would undoubtedly help their cause. Another reason was about improving anti-war lobbyists and reaching a negotiated solution if a south... paper center ...... rks CitedChesser, Preston, Scott Laidig, Thomas Long Jr., Larry Gormley and Sanders Marbles . "Gettysburg." Ohio State University. . http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/BattleView.cfm?BID=42. (Accessed March 12, 2014).Earl Hess, Pickett's Charge: The Last Attack at Gettysburg, (North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press, 2001)Edward Porter Alexander, Fighting for the Confederacy: the personal recollections of General Edward Porter Alexander, ed . Gary W. Gallagher (Chapel Hill | London: The University of North Carolina Press, 1989)Guelzo, Allen C. Gettysburg: The Last Invasion. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013)Katcher, Philip. Robert E. Lee's Army. (New York: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc, 1994) America's Battlefield Protection Program. “Battle Summary: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,” http://facweb.furman.edu/~bensonlloyd/civwar/pa002.htm.” (accessed March 12, 2014).