Who won the battle of antitam?

Answer 1

Both sides claimed victory but tactically it was a draw, ultimately it was a Union strategical victory as the Confederate Army retreated shortly after the battle back to southern territory. The south had failed with its goals, one of them was to gather support abroad for recognition of the South as an independent nation, another goal behind the invasion into Maryland was to strike fear into the North and thus gather support for the peace movement.

The confederate commander Robert E Lee believed a military victory on northern soil might achieve one or even all of these goals.

In Europe the union "victory" at Antietam did not impress, although it was considerad a union victory by the British government. With the emancipation of the slaves which followed it was clear that most European governments were discouraged to offer the South recognition.

Answer 2

Then Battle of Antietam was inconclusive, neither army achieved their objectives.

Answer 3

The Southern Army was blocked from entering the North. (Apex)