How to Research the Battle of Antietam

The battle of Antietam was fought from Sept. 16 to 18, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. This battle was tactically inconclusive but a Union strategic victory nonetheless. Sept. 17 would become the single bloodiest day of battle in American history. The following steps will aid in your search for information about this Civil War battle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Search history websites to understand the significance of this battle. Although General Robert E. Lee's Confederate army was not destroyed, it ended his invasion of Maryland and he withdrew to Virginia. It also gave President Lincoln enough confidence to make the Emancipation Proclamation.
2. Look for information about an overview of this battle. Major General George B. McClellan engaged Lee at Sharpsburg on Sept. 16. The battle began in earnest at dawn Sept. 17 when Major General Joseph Hooker's artillery opened fire on General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's men. This initial attack was followed by attacks and counterattacks throughout the day.
3. Read up on how Union assaults eventually penetrated the Confederate center but McClellan failed to follow up. Major General Ambrose Burnside's corps finally saw action late in the afternoon and attacked the Confederate right. Major General Ambrose Powell Hill's division arrived from Harper's Ferry and counterattacked, forcing Burnside to retreat.
4. Examine why Lee committed his entire force although he was outnumbered two to one. Meanwhile, McClellan committed less than three quarters of his troops. This allowed Lee to fight the Union to a standstill. Both sides consolidated their lines overnight. Lee continued to skirmish through Sept. 18 despite heavy casualties while removing his wounded. McClellan broke off his attacks and Lee withdrew across the Potomac after dark. This battle had total casualties of about 23,100.

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