George McClellan
General McClellan had always been interested in the army since he was a little boy. As the war began in 1861, McClellan wanted to find himself a spot in the militia as a general or commander. He began his service as the Major General of the Ohio Volunteers on April 23. At the time, Lincoln needed more generals to lead his army, so the new status of George McClellan encouraged Lincoln to make McClellan the Major General of the Union Army. McClellan began his work slowly in fear that Kentucky would secede from the Union. He commanded troops during the Rich Mountain campaign to ensure that Confederate troops would not take over a portion of the state. With the victory at the First Battle of Bull Run, McClellan became the Commander of the Union Army of the Potomac. In Novemeber of 1861, McClellan would later earn the title of General-In-Chief of all Union Armies upon retirement of General Winfield Scott's.
In 1862, General McClellan was removed from his position as General-In-Chief of the Union Army. Even though he had lost position of his highest ranking, he still possessed commander of the Potomac Army. Facing great pressure from President Lincoln, he decided to launch a campaign against the Confederate capital. Just as President Lincoln thought, McClellan did not have the upper hand in the battles. Their army kept continuously delaying their attacks, making it easier for their opponent. Over a series of seven days at battle, McClellan's army was forced to retreat as a result of their small army.
The bloodiest day in American history, the Battle of Antietam, was partially fought by McClellan's army. Even thought this battle is considered a tie, Union forces took the victory, giving Lincoln more faith in McClellan. While the army had a chance to rest and regroup, President Lincoln visited McClellan to share his frustration about his army. He claimed his army was not properly trained and is only bringing failure to the effort. In conclusion, General McClellan greatly contributed to the American Civil War.
In 1862, General McClellan was removed from his position as General-In-Chief of the Union Army. Even though he had lost position of his highest ranking, he still possessed commander of the Potomac Army. Facing great pressure from President Lincoln, he decided to launch a campaign against the Confederate capital. Just as President Lincoln thought, McClellan did not have the upper hand in the battles. Their army kept continuously delaying their attacks, making it easier for their opponent. Over a series of seven days at battle, McClellan's army was forced to retreat as a result of their small army.
The bloodiest day in American history, the Battle of Antietam, was partially fought by McClellan's army. Even thought this battle is considered a tie, Union forces took the victory, giving Lincoln more faith in McClellan. While the army had a chance to rest and regroup, President Lincoln visited McClellan to share his frustration about his army. He claimed his army was not properly trained and is only bringing failure to the effort. In conclusion, General McClellan greatly contributed to the American Civil War.