BATTLE OF ANTIETAM

BACKGROUND

• After defeating the union generals mcclellan and pope, confederate general Robert e. Lee moved to Maryland where he hoped to strike a blow that would encourage foreign intervention and also try to get Maryland to join the confederation.

WHAT BEGAN THE BATTLE

• On September 16,1862, General McClellan and his union army confronted Robert e. Lee and his confederate army.
• At dawn the next day, the union army launched an assault on the confederates' left flank that began the battle.

DURING THE BATTLE

• Although the union had far greater numbers, confederate forces were able to hold their ground in the morning.
• Throughout the course of the battle, the confederates continuously brought In backup.
• McClellan eventually drove lee's forces out of Maryland, but he did not chase after him.

DRAW AT ANTIETAM CREEK

• Two union soldiers found a copy of lee's battle plans that were carelessly dropped by a confederate officer.
• With this piece of intelligence, McClellan succeeded in halting lee at Antietam on September 17, 1862.
• Despite it militarily being a draw, Lincoln and the union declared the battle a victory.

WHY IT WAS A DRAW

• McClellan did not fully utilize the numbers of his army.
• McClellan did not vigorously pursue the wounded confederate army as he could have.

SIGNIFICANCE

• It was the long-awaited "victory" that Lincoln had anticipated.
• It helped Lincoln to launch the emancipation proclamation.
• It was also seen as a pivotal point in the war.
• It is considered one to the most decisive battles of the civil war.

STATISTICS

• Estimated 87,000 unions vs. 45,000 confederates
• Estimated 22,717 casualties
• 2,108 union soldiers died vs. 1,546 confederate soldiers

WORKS CITED

• http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/antietam.html