ID: Battle of Antietam
When: September 17, 1862
Who:
- Union: General George McClellan, Army of the Potomac
- Confederate: General Robert E. Lee, Army of Northern Virginia
What:
- The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with over 23,000 casualties.
- It was fought near Antietam Creek in Maryland and was the first major battle fought on Union soil after the Confederate invasion of Maryland.
- The battle was a Union victory, despite the high number of casualties.
- It is often considered a turning point in the Civil War.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Halted the Confederate advance into the North: The battle stopped Lee’s attempt to capture Washington D.C. and forced the Confederate army to retreat back to Virginia.
- Strengthened Lincoln’s political position: The victory gave Lincoln the political capital to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the war’s focus to ending slavery.
- Increased European support for the Union: The battle discouraged European powers from recognizing the Confederacy, as it showed the Union’s strength and determination.
- Increased pressure for peace: The battle’s high casualties spurred calls for peace from both sides, leading to preliminary peace talks (which ultimately failed).
Overall, the Battle of Antietam was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, marking a turning point in the war’s strategic and political landscape. It cemented the Union’s resolve, strengthened Lincoln’s leadership, and set the stage for the eventual emancipation of slaves.