Define the Subject The Battle of Antietam, and also know by the Confederate Army as the Battle of Sharpsburg, has been called the bloodiest battle in American History. By the end of the night on 17 September 1862, estimated casualties for the battle were roughly 4,000 total American soldiers had been killed and roughly over 18,000 wounded in and around the small farming community of Sharpsburg, Maryland (Ballard, 2006). The Battle actually took place between the days of the 16th of September and the 18th of September 1862. This battle was part of the overall Maryland Campaign, and this campaign was support by the Confederate President Jefferson Davis who though that a victory on Virginia soil would increase the likelihood of recognition from Britain and France (Hickman). By winning battles in Virginia, the Confederate Army would also be advancing closer to Washington DC. The Union Army’s total …show more content…
Special Order No. 191, which was found on the 13th of September, and contained the very detailed plans of Gen. Lee, gave the Union Army key information that would be used against the Confederates. (Ballard, 2006) Even though the Union Army had just been defeated in the battle of the 2nd Bull Run, the army had great confidence in their leader, Maj. Gen. McClellan. The Union’s morale was at a high level. And with the key victories in the 2nd Battle of Bull run, the Confederates morale was at an all time high. (Ballard, 2006) There was a significant amount of key leaders in the Battle of Antietam. Not just the more famous commanders in charge, Maj. Gen. McClellan and Gen Robert E. Lee. The key leadership on the Confederate side consisted of the following: Major Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” J. Jackson. He was the commander for II Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. BG Jubal Early commanded the 13th, 25th, 31st, 44th, 49th, 52nd and the 58th