The battle of Antietam also known today as the battle of Sharpsburg was one of the bloodiest battle to ever occur in a day. The battle was part of the Maryland campaign that took place near Sharpsburg, Maryland and the Antietam creek between the 16th of September 1862 to the 18th of September 1862. The terrain in this area consisted of grassy rolling hills with open plains and some wooded areas. During these three days the temperature ranged from a humid 69 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Two main Generals were in charge of each side of their forces during the battle of Antietam. Commanding the Union troops was Major General George B. McClellan with an Army strength of 87,000Composed of Cavalry, light infantry and artillery. On the other side with the Confederates was General Robert E. Lee with an Army strength of 45,000 composing of much the same as the Union with Cavalry, light infantry and artillery.
Both the Confederates and the Union had similarities when it came to their standing forces. The Union and Confederates were using the same rifles and artillery throughout the battle. The difference was that the Confederates soldiers had more combat experience than the Union …show more content…
General Lee had expressed in a letter to all of Maryland that he wished to free them of the Union and grant them their freedom back. In reality General Lee knew that taking Maryland would be a large stepping stone in being able to the war. Unfortunately for him this mission was coming to a standstill when the battle of Antietam began. His initial emplacement was one of defense. His mission at Antietam was to defend against the Union Army and eventually defeat them. General Lee was short on soldiers and the soldiers he did have were lacking basic clothing items and other items far more essential to keep his Army alive. The lack of support eventually led General Lee to being pushed out of
Both the Confederates and the Union had similarities when it came to their standing forces. The Union and Confederates were using the same rifles and artillery throughout the battle. The difference was that the Confederates soldiers had more combat experience than the Union …show more content…
General Lee had expressed in a letter to all of Maryland that he wished to free them of the Union and grant them their freedom back. In reality General Lee knew that taking Maryland would be a large stepping stone in being able to the war. Unfortunately for him this mission was coming to a standstill when the battle of Antietam began. His initial emplacement was one of defense. His mission at Antietam was to defend against the Union Army and eventually defeat them. General Lee was short on soldiers and the soldiers he did have were lacking basic clothing items and other items far more essential to keep his Army alive. The lack of support eventually led General Lee to being pushed out of