What discovery led George B McClellan's victory over Robert E Lee at Antietam?

Answer 1

A set of Lee's orders, accidentally dropped in the field by a Confederate officer.

By chance, these were found by Union troops and shown to McLellan. The document revealed that Lee's army was divided into three parts that were widely separated. McLellan rejoiced that he now had the game in his hands: he could destroy Lee's divisions piecemeal.

But there was a Confederate spy in his camp, who was able to get word to Lee about the new situation. Even then, McLellan could have destroyed Lee's army, if he had moved at once. But he delayed just long enough to allow Lee to concentrate his forces.

McLellan did win the ensuing battle, but failed to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia, either during the battle, or afterwards when that army was retreating back to Virginia in a vulnerable position.

This performance earned McLellan the sack by Lincoln. The Confederate defeat, however, had momentous consequences for the outcome of the war. It gave Lincoln the credibility to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which turned the war into an official crusade against slavery, making it impossible for Britain and France to aid the South without looking pro-slavery themselves.

That careless Confederate officer has a lot to answer for!

Answer 2

General McClellan found General Lee's battle plan.

Answer 3

A set of Lee's orders, accidentally dropped in the field by a Confederate officer.

By chance, these were found by Union troops and shown to McLellan. The document revealed that Lee's army was divided into three parts that were widely separated. McLellan rejoiced that he now had the game in his hands: he could destroy Lee's divisions piecemeal.

But there was a Confederate spy in his camp, who was able to get word to Lee about the new situation. Even then, McLellan could have destroyed Lee's army, if he had moved at once. But he delayed just long enough to allow Lee to concentrate his forces.

McLellan did win the ensuing battle, but failed to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia, either during the battle, or afterwards when that army was retreating back to Virginia in a vulnerable position.

This performance earned McLellan the sack by Lincoln. The Confederate defeat, however, had momentous consequences for the outcome of the war. It gave Lincoln the credibility to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which turned the war into an official crusade against slavery, making it impossible for Britain and France to aid the South without looking pro-slavery themselves.

That careless Confederate officer has a lot to answer for!

Answer 4

A set of Lee's orders, accidentally dropped in the field by a Confederate officer.

By chance, these were found by Union troops and shown to McLellan. The document revealed that Lee's army was divided into three parts that were widely separated. McLellan rejoiced that he now had the game in his hands: he could destroy Lee's divisions piecemeal.

But there was a Confederate spy in his camp, who was able to get word to Lee about the new situation. Even then, McLellan could have destroyed Lee's army, if he had moved at once. But he delayed just long enough to allow Lee to concentrate his forces.

McLellan did win the ensuing battle, but failed to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia, either during the battle, or afterwards when that army was retreating back to Virginia in a vulnerable position.

This performance earned McLellan the sack by Lincoln. The Confederate defeat, however, had momentous consequences for the outcome of the war. It gave Lincoln the credibility to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which turned the war into an official crusade against slavery, making it impossible for Britain and France to aid the South without looking pro-slavery themselves.

That careless Confederate officer has a lot to answer for!