|
|
The Battle of Antietam was considered the single bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. The South needed to win on northern soil to convince the Europeans that they could win the war. They hoped a victory would encourage The Europeans to order their navy to attempt to break through the North’s navy blockade. Then the Europeans would supply the South with weapons and materials they desperately needed. After the Battle of Bull Run, General Lee decided to keep marching north into Maryland and take Harper’s Ferry. His plan was to split his army into four parts. One part would march to one of the South’s territory a mountain the rest would circle around Harper’s Ferry. A copy of the orders was sent to all four commanders, but General Hill never got his. On September 13, 1862 a Union soldier found this copy at an old campsite. General McClellan knew the Confederate’s plan of attack. General Lee had found out that Union had a copy of his orders. General McClellan moved to meet Lee at Antietam creek with 90,000 men while Lee only had 19,000. After taking Harper’s Ferry General Jackson went to help Lee. The North did not attack the South until September 17, which gave the South enough time to reunite with their other soldiers. In the early morning of September 17 the battle began. Within a half hour of the beginning of the battle the South had killed 2,000 men, but the South was tired and out-numbered. This allowed the Union to push them back. Then General Hill came with more back up and hit the Union, driving them back. On this day more men were killed and wounded than any other day of the Civil War. Although neither side won it was the bloodiest single day of the Civil War. The South was unable to convince the Europeans.
|
|
A War Gone Deadly: The American Civil War
|