McClellan’s early campaigns Flashcards
When were McClellan’s early campaigns?
1862
How many artillery units, horses and men in the Union army?
44 artillery units, 15000 horses, 121000 men in
Why was McClellan appointed to command the Union army in 1861?
Previous success in western Virginia campaign
Strong organisational reputation
What were McClellan’s major flaws?
Consistently overestimated Confederate forces
Excessive caution and reluctance to attack
Bad relationship with Lincoln
Defensive mindset when needed offensive action
What was the Peninsula Campaign?
March-July 1862 offensive to capture Richmond
Approach to Richmond from South East
Month long delay at Yorktown
First major Union offensive of the war
Why was Seven Pines important?
May 31-June 1 1862
Johnston wounded, Lee took Confederate command
McClellan missed opportunity to attack Richmond
What were the outcomes of the Seven Days Battles?
Lee drove McClellan away from Richmond
Peninsula Campaign ended in Union defeat
Lee’s aggression vs McClellan’s caution
Why was McClellan reinstated after being removed?
Removed as General-in-Chief March 1862
Reinstated in September after Pope’s defeat at Second Bull Run
Lincoln valued his organisational skills
How did McClellan impact the civil war?
Created effective Army of the Potomac structure
Missed early opportunities to defeat smaller Confederate forces- allowed Lee to build up the army
Failure to capture Richmond in 1862 extended the war
Final removal from command Nov 1862
