Battle Of Antietam Essay

Up to this point the Battle of Antietam is the bloodiest single day not only in the American Civil War but also in American history. The Civil War is remembered for some of the most horrific tragedies and have echoed through time. Antietam was particularly tragic due to the staggering human cost as well as the mistakes made by the North. The Union Army could have shaped the course of the war with a decisive victory, instead, the lack of adherence to the principles of command and bad leadership led the Union to waste these opportunities.
Introduction
The events leading up to September 17, 1862 shaped many of the problems encountered that day. Months before the Battle of Antietam the Union and Confederate Armies had started offensive campaigns

Due to these successes he became largely popular and increased morale in the North and the Union soldiers. Although, he created many enemies in the political realm by often making politically charged statements differing from national policy, which in turn created tension between himself and Lincoln. Despite the strained relationship between McClellan and Lincoln and likely due to his past successes, the President recalled and granted him the command over the Army of the Potomac, which created defensive measures for the North. While in command, McClellan continued to frustrate Lincoln time and time again by delaying offensive action against the Confederacy. On March 17, 1862 McClellan finally initiated the Peninsula Campaign by conducting an amphibious turning movement southeast and invading Virginia from Fort

General Lee’s offensive proved successful despite some initial errors and forced Major General McClellan to withdraw from the peninsula. Even though General Lee was unable to destroy the Army of the Potomac in the defeat of the Peninsula Campaign he still managed to make a valuable blow to Major General McClellan’s reputation and gain something even more valuable, experience with his tactics. After the Peninsula Campaign had ended and due to the Union defeat at Bull Run, Lincoln ordered Major General McClellan to reform the Army of the Potomac and defend the