answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

General McClellan was urged by President Lincoln to attack the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Lincoln believed that the fall of the Rebels' capital city would lead directly to the war's end. McClellan also believed the rebellion could be ended quickly if the Rebel capital of Richmond was captured. The idea of attacking the "center of gravity" as Clausewitz would advise, was one key to victory. Lincoln preferred that McClellan plan for a southerly march on Richmond. McClellan convinced Lincoln that a flanking attack would better serve the goal of capturing the Confederate capital. This was the famous Peninsula Campaign where Union troops would land on the peninsula east of Richmond and attack the city from the east. His landing position would have placed him closer to Richmond than a march from Washington DC or Alexandria.

User Avatar

Wiki User

6y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What major goal did President Lincoln expect Major General McClellan to accomplish in the Spring of 1862?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about General History

What was the reaction of General George B McClellan to President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation?

President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 was a shock to General McClellan. He also was shocked when Lincoln soon after suspended habeas corpus. He was opposed to both of these actions by President Lincoln.


What major development caused Union General George McClellan to believe that President Lincoln was hampering the Peninsula campaign of 1862?

As the Union's Peninsula campaign was in its early stages, General McClellan was certain that President Lincoln was hampering McClellan's war operations. Lincoln had stepped in and retained the corps under General McDowell to defend Washington DC. Lincoln believed this was a necessity.


Why did George mcclellan chose to run against president Lincoln?

General George Mcclellan was, by all accounts, an egomaniac. He was bitter over his removal from command by Lincoln. In running for President in 1864 against Lincoln, he sought to "get even" and embarrass Lincoln.


What was the unusual way that Union General George B McClellan addressed his communications with US President Lincoln?

In letters and in telegraph communications with US President Abraham Lincoln, McClellan was very respectful to Lincoln, even though he believed him to be an incompetent president. He used the words of Your Excellency in all communications with Lincoln.


What civil war general later became the governor of New Jersey?

George B. McClellan. McClellan also ran for president against Lincoln in 1864 (but lost). McClellan's son was also governor of New Jersey.

Related questions

What was the reaction of General George B McClellan to President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation?

President Lincoln's preliminary Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 was a shock to General McClellan. He also was shocked when Lincoln soon after suspended habeas corpus. He was opposed to both of these actions by President Lincoln.


When did General George B. McClellan discover that President Lincoln removed him as the general in chief?

When General George B. McClellan returned to Washington DC on March 11, 1862, he became aware that President Lincoln removed his title of general in chief.


Abraham Lincoln's response to General McClellan's Command?

Lincoln's response to General McClellan's command was that Lincoln relieved McClellan of Command.


What major development caused Union General George McClellan to believe that President Lincoln was hampering the Peninsula campaign of 1862?

As the Union's Peninsula campaign was in its early stages, General McClellan was certain that President Lincoln was hampering McClellan's war operations. Lincoln had stepped in and retained the corps under General McDowell to defend Washington DC. Lincoln believed this was a necessity.


Why did George mcclellan chose to run against president Lincoln?

General George Mcclellan was, by all accounts, an egomaniac. He was bitter over his removal from command by Lincoln. In running for President in 1864 against Lincoln, he sought to "get even" and embarrass Lincoln.


What was the letter President Lincoln sent to General George B McClellan in October of 1862?

On October 13, 1862, President Lincoln sent General McClellan a long letter explaining the plans Lincoln believed were needed to defeat the South. Lincoln was almost sure that an aggressive Union response from McClellan's army would not be forthcoming. With that said, McClellan had every chance to keep his position if he even tried to execute the plans Lincoln sent to him.


What did US President Lincoln do after he relieved General George B McClellan from his position of general in chief?

President Lincoln did second guess himself for a while. This is because General McClellan had years of extensive industry and military experience. Lincoln, however, would soon find a replacement for the ousted General.


When did US President Abraham Lincoln realize that Union General George B McClellan left less than twenty thousand troops to guard Washington DC?

On April 3, 1862, US President Lincoln is upset that General George B. McClellan has left less than 20,000 troops to guard Washington DC. McClellan was concerned about his Peninsula Campaign. Lincoln refuses to allow any of General McDowell's forces to join McClellan. This causes a rift between Lincoln and McClellan.


President Lincoln was upset with General McClellan because .?

he had refused to lee's retreating army into Virginia


What was the last straw with president Lincoln regarding general mcclellan?

That he failed to pursue Lee after Antietam.


When did General George McClellan inform President Lincoln that Robert E Lee was in charge of defending Richmond?

On April 20, 1862, General George B. McClellan informed President Lincoln that Robert E. Lee was replacing the wounded General Johnston. McClellan also mentioned that this change was good for the Union as Lee was known to be weak and timid.


What was the unusual way that Union General George B McClellan addressed his communications with US President Lincoln?

In letters and in telegraph communications with US President Abraham Lincoln, McClellan was very respectful to Lincoln, even though he believed him to be an incompetent president. He used the words of Your Excellency in all communications with Lincoln.