George McClellan
George McClellan
McClellan's Peninsular campaign failed because the Confederate army was defending Richmond better that McClellan anticipated. They retreated, then turned and attacked McClellan, surprising the Union general.
Joseph E. Johnston - until he was badly wounded, and had to be replaced by Robert E. Lee.
Lee's rapid advance across the Peninusla dramatised the Confederates' natural soldierly skills and leadership, in stark contrast to McClellan's lacklustre performance as the Union commander, and encouraged other countries to consider backing a winner in the Confederacy.
No - especially after Johnston was badly wounded and had to be replaced by Lee. The Union armies were driven back almost to the sea.
March 1862
The south
The goal of the Peninsular Campaign, which took place during the American Civil War in 1862, was to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Led by Union General George B. McClellan, the campaign aimed to advance the Union army up the Virginia Peninsula, utilizing a series of battles to weaken Confederate forces and secure a strategic foothold in the South. Ultimately, the campaign sought to bring a swift end to the war by defeating the Confederacy in its heartland. However, it faced challenges and setbacks, leading to a prolonged conflict.
The Peninsular Campaign, fought during the American Civil War in 1862, primarily took place on the Virginia Peninsula, which is located between the York River and the James River in Virginia. The campaign involved a series of battles as Union forces, led by General George B. McClellan, attempted to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond. Key locations included Yorktown, Williamsburg, and the Seven Days Battles near Richmond. The campaign ultimately ended in a strategic withdrawal by Union forces.
In the Civil War, the Confederacy won the Battle of Chancellorsville, First Bull Run, and Fredericksburg. The Union emerged victorious at Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, and the Peninsular Campaign. The Battle of Chattanooga was a Union victory, while the Siege of Petersburg led to a Union win. The Monitor and Merrimac resulted in a draw.
Union Major General Oliver Otis Howard participated in the following battles and campaigns during the Civil War: Battle of First Bull Run as commander of an infantry brigade of the 3rd Division; Peninsular Campaign as commander of an infantry brigade. At the Battle of Fair Oaks he lost his right arm when leading his unit against the Confederates, an action which earned him the Medal of Honor. Battle of Chancellorsville as commander of the XI Corps; Battle of Gettysburg as commander of the XI Corps; Atlanta Campaign as commander of the IV Corps. After the Death of General McPherson, Sherman appointed him commander of the Army of the Cumberland. March to the Sea, as commander of the Army of the Cumberland. Note: at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg his Corps suffered two humiliating defeats, but during his activity in the Western Front he recovered from those setbacks as a successful corps and army commander.
More men - and a cool commander who was suited to a long campaign of attrition, which it certainly was.