Lesson 23: The War in the East 1862: From the Peninsula to Antietam Flashcards
Peninsula Campaign
Who: Union forces led by General George McClellan against Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee.
What: A failed Union attempt to capture Richmond, Virginia, via the Virginia Peninsula.
Why: Demonstrated the challenges of offensive operations and McClellan’s cautiousness.
When: March to July 1862.
How: Through a series of battles and Confederate counterattacks, culminating in the Seven Days Battles.
George McClellan
Who: Union general and commander of the Army of the Potomac.
What: Known for his organizational skills but criticized for his overly cautious strategy.
Why: His leadership impacted the Union’s early war efforts and delayed decisive action.
When: Commanded from 1861 to 1862.
How: By focusing on preparation and hesitating to engage aggressively with Confederate forces.
Robert E. Lee
Who: Confederate general and commander of the Army of Northern Virginia.
What: Renowned for his tactical brilliance and ability to achieve victories despite being outnumbered.
Why: Played a pivotal role in defending the Confederacy.
When: Assumed command in June 1862.
How: Through bold strategies, such as dividing his forces and conducting surprise attacks.
Battle of Antietam (1862)
Who: Union forces under McClellan and Confederate forces under Lee.
What: The bloodiest single-day battle in American history, ending in a tactical draw but a strategic Union advantage.
Why: Allowed Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation.
When: September 17, 1862.
How: Through coordinated Union attacks that inflicted heavy casualties but failed to decisively defeat Lee’s forces.
