Battle of Antietam
The Battle of Antietam occurred on September 17, 1862 in Sharpsburg, Maryland along Antietam Creek. It was the first battle of the Civil War to be fought on the northern soil. This battle is America's bloodiest battle, with the most casualties in one day. The total casualties were 22,720 (Union; 12,400 Confederate; 10,320). Union General George McClellan heard of a southern advance into Maryland, he went to intercept the battle and caught the Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson who accidentally met, by surprise. The result of the battle was a Union victory and Confederate retreat. Due to the Unions great victory this allowed for President Lincoln to impose the Emancipation Proclamation.
Significance
It is the single deadliest battle every fought by any American army. Actual death tolls have never been fully counted because of the great numbers that died later from wounds and infections received in that clash.
The British were watching to see if Lee would succeed in invading the North. If so, they were ready to give the Confederacy official recognition, and send military aid.
The unexpected Northern win at Antietam put that plan on the back-burner, and meanwhile gave Lincoln the opportunity to issue his Emancipation Proclamation, making it impossible for any foreign power to help the South without looking pro-slavery.
The British were watching to see if Lee would succeed in invading the North. If so, they were ready to give the Confederacy official recognition, and send military aid.
The unexpected Northern win at Antietam put that plan on the back-burner, and meanwhile gave Lincoln the opportunity to issue his Emancipation Proclamation, making it impossible for any foreign power to help the South without looking pro-slavery.
Fun Facts.
- This battle was broken down into 3 parts even though it was only a one day battle; the morning, the afternoon, and the evening battle(s).
- General McClellan had a poor performance of a General during this battle and was relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac by President Lincoln on November 7th.
- The battle began at 5:30 am to 5:30 pm that day.
- This was Lee's second invasion of Maryland which ended in Gettysburg, Pa.
- General McClellan had a poor performance of a General during this battle and was relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac by President Lincoln on November 7th.
- The battle began at 5:30 am to 5:30 pm that day.
- This was Lee's second invasion of Maryland which ended in Gettysburg, Pa.