Battle Of Antietam Essay

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Define the Subject The Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, was not only the bloodiest day of the American Civil War, but it was also the bloodiest single day in all American history (Alexander, 2006). The battle was fought between the days of September 16th through the 18th, with the bloodiest day being on the 17th. The battle grounds for this engagement took place in Sharpsburg, Maryland, and happened during the Maryland Campaign. The Union Army of the Potomac was commanded by Major General George B. McClellan (Commanders at Antietam). The Army of the Potomac consisted of approximately 87,000 soldiers, almost doubling that of the Army of Northern Virginia. General Robert E. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, …show more content…

Both Union and Confederate forces could move from one section of the battlefield to another, with little opportunity of viewing the grounds and hidden dangers immediately in front of them. The road known as Sunken Road proved to be one of these dangers. Initially the Confederate Army was able to lay low and wait on Union forces to crest the hill. As the Union Army drew close unable to see the well protected Confederate Army. The Confederate Army was able to keep the Union Army at bay for several hours. This road also proved deadly for the Confederate Army a few hours later as the Union Forces were able to flank the Confederate Army from the side. Because of the deadly fighting that happened on this road it is also known as “Bloody Lane” (The Battle of Antietam - Wednesday, September 17, 1862, The Impact of …show more content…

The Confederates were coming off their 2nd victory at Bull Run. Even though the Union Army had just lost at Bull Run, their moral and support for Major General McClellan was high (The Battle of Antietam). More great leaders than just the Commanding officers were involved in this battle. On the North Forces were Major General George B. McClellan, General in Command, Army of the Potomac. Brigadier General Ambrose E. Burnside, IX Corps, Army of the Potomac. Major General Joseph Hooker, I Corps, Army of the Potomac. (Commanders at Antietam) Aligning themselves with the South were General Robert E. Lee, General in Command, Army of Northern Virginia. Major General Thomas “Stonewall” J. Jackson, II Corps Commander, Army of Northern Virginia. Brigadier General Jubal Early, Jackson’s Corps. (Commanders at Antietam)
Describe the Action On September 16th, 1862 General Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia had concentrated in defensive positions around Sharpsburg Maryland. They positioned themselves between the Potomac River, the boundary line marking the North, and Antietam Creek. The Confederates occupied the rising ground North West of the town and additional rising ground to the East. (Battle of