Battle Of Antietam Essay

Battles played a huge role in the American Civil War. The Union and the Confederacy both looked at times as if they would win the war. Then, at a battle or key point, the momentum would change and the advantage would flip to the other side. In 1962, the Union appeared to be on top and the war was in their favor. However, with the appointment of Robert E. Lee to the command of the Confederate army along with a string of victories led by Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate side started to gain momentum and turn the tide in their favor. The Confederate army was fighting with a new sense of urgency and purpose. If the war ended at this point, the Confederate army would have been victorious. Due to the strength of the Confederate side at this point

They might not have been able to recover from a loss this big. It was avoided, however, on the 17th of September in 1862. This was when the Battle of Antietam changed the entire course of the war. James McPherson argues that the Battle of Antietam was the battle that changed the entire course of the war, and he is correct in saying so. There were many influential battles that aided to the outcome of the war, but this battle was the most important as it changed the outcome of the war completely. This battle took away the possibility of foreign influence against the north, allowed for Lincoln to give the Emancipation Proclamation, and gave the Union and all of the north a much needed boost in morale while at the same time striking a blow to the heart of the

Before the Battle of Antietam, the south was getting close to that point, but this battle eliminated that risk for the north, which was a huge part of why it was so influential. Neither of these countries wanted to disrupt trade relations or get involved in another war that would hurt them in total, they were hesitant to join a side unless they were positive it was a winning side. After victories by the south in 1862, it looked as if there was no hope for the north. Prime Minister Palmerston’s son-in-law told John Slidell and James Mason of the Confederacy that, “the event you so strongly desire is close at hand (McPherson 320).” He was speaking about a victory of the Civil War for the Confederate side. This was the feeling of both Britain and France. They believed the Confederacy was close to a victory and this would have pushed both nations over the edge on the side of the south. Europe was receiving news of constant Confederate victories and low northern spirit, and this was also pushing them towards the aid of the south. The shocking victory at the battle of Antietam saved the Union from almost certain defeat. This battle changed the ideas of European powers and effectively halted them from supporting the opposing side in the south. This battle ended the possibility of the European nations aiding the south in the war effort. If this battle had not occurred, the help from