How Did General Burnside Use Low Morale

The Union Army already had a low morale coming into this battle due to the replacement of General McClellan with General Burnside. President Lincoln replaced General McClellan due to his non aggressive nature and reserve approach to battle. The President sought a more aggressive leader and chose General Burnside. Both sides morale was obviously low due a relentless war in the northeastern states during winter time. The Confederate Army had plenty of reason to have low morale too. The lack of proper uniforms left some soldiers improperly dressed for the cold conditions. The worries of exposure and disease at times was a bigger worry than that of enemy bullets for both sides. The 16th Maine soldiers left behind their critical supplies at one …show more content…
He was a general for the Union Army. He was a graduate of West Point and commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd U.S. Artillery. He had experience and the backing of President Lincoln. President Lincoln hand picked him for his known aggressiveness in battle. General Burnside attempted to refuse command but upon hearing that General Joseph Hooker would take command he then agreed. He was very well trained but perhaps too arrogant to reconsolidate and make one effort to attack one position at a time. Patience and humility was a leadership trait he was blatantly missing. (Eicher, 2001) General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson was a General for the Confederate Army. He was also a graduate of West Point. He was mostly known for his stand at the Battle of Bull Run where he received the nickname “Stonewall” Jackson. His experience was impressive. He had been a part of a slew of battles. His experience and reputation followed him into this battle. His stand at Marye’s Heights would be one to remember and could be the winning stand that brought the Confederates to victory over the Union. (Robertson,