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The Pivotal Point - Antietam
Robert E. Lee broke the back of McClellan’s assault on Richmond
Lee invaded Maryland - and invades the north.
Union soldiers found a copy of Lees battle plans wrapped around a packet of three cigars dropped by a confederate officer - revealed Lee and Stonewall Jackson's armies were separated
Bloodiest single day battle of the war 24,000 - 26,000 casualties.
Bloody Antietam was the long awaited victory that Lincoln needed for his Emancipation Proclamation -
Battle of Gettysburg
Lincoln replaced McClellan with General Ambrose Burnside as commander of the army. He proved unfit for the job when he launched a rash frontal attack where there were more than 10,000 killed or wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Joseph Hooker to control next but was attacked by Lee’s army that had split two at the Battle of Chancellorsville. “Stonewall” Jackson was accidentally killed by his own side at Chancellorsville. -
Pickett’s Charge
A man named George Pickett lead a famous charge that failed. It ended with 10,000 casualties out of 15,000 soldiers. -
March to the Sea/ Shermen’s March to the Sea
General Sherman captured Atlanta and burned it. He destroyed everything in his path and he seized Savannah and match South Carolina. -
Total War
The Total War destroyed railroads, buildings, and valuables to weaken the confederate army. It also destroyed their supplies. -
War of Attrition
This battle wore the enemy down. The wilderness Campaign fought in the middle of the woods, quick, logs, and more. General Grant was criticized for the high rate of casualties but progress was being made. Grants motto was, “When in doubt fight.” The War ended April 7, and was socially and economically in the ground. 3 million amputees and 650,000 dead.