Was the Battle of Antietam a Union victory, defeat, or was it a stalemate ? Give reasons for your answer.
What do you think?
http://www.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/md003.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Antietam#Aftermath
I've seen all three answeres...which is correct? need your help
This question doesn't have a "correct" answer. Your teacher wants your opinion. Support it with facts.
The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, resulted in a Union victory. It was a key turning point in the war as it halted General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North. To determine this, we can examine the events and outcomes of the battle.
The battle ended with neither side achieving a decisive victory, but the Union forces under General George B. McClellan were able to repel Lee's Confederate army and maintain control of the battlefield. This outcome had significant strategic implications.
Despite the battle being inconclusive in terms of clear victory, the Union Army achieved several important objectives. Firstly, they successfully defended the critical Union stronghold of Washington D.C., preventing Lee from advancing closer or potentially capturing the capital. Secondly, Union forces inflicted heavy casualties on the Confederate army, with each side suffering a significant loss of soldiers. Lastly, the Confederate army was forced to retreat back across the Potomac River into Virginia, giving the Union Army a symbolic victory on Northern soil.
Additionally, Antietam had political repercussions. The battle's outcome gave President Abraham Lincoln the confidence to issue the Emancipation Proclamation just five days later, which declared the emancipation of all slaves in Confederate territory. This decision added a moral purpose to the war, further undermining the Confederacy.
Overall, while the Battle of Antietam did not result in a clear-cut victory for either side, the Union forces accomplished their goals, repelled the Confederate invasion, inflicted heavy casualties, and ultimately maintained control of the battlefield. Therefore, it is considered a Union victory.