war
Meeting between Lincoln and McClellan
General George McClellan served as a General in the Civil war. He was made a general-in-chief by Henry W. Halleck of the Army of the Potomac, and he served in the military for a total of 14 years, first from 1846-1857, and from 1861-1864. In the years of 1861 through 1864, he was involved in the Civil war. In the Civil War, he was involved in the Battle of Rich Mountain, the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, the Maryland Campaign, and the Battle of Antietam.
making a difference
Positive Impact: It was positive in the sense that General George McClellan was a very important general for the Union, since he knew how to build a very strong and defensive army, and he was able to train and shape-up and army of over 100,000 men. This was famously known as the Army of the Potomac.
Negative Impact: He reportedly underestimated the size of the Confederate army, so McClellan refused to press the Army of the Potomac to fight, despite Lincoln's directions. He ironically was afraid to send his troops into battle, even though they were ready to fight. This was because he was waiting for the "perfect moment" for them to fight, but in war, there are no perfect opportunities. Also, when he tried to organize a Peninsular Campaign, it ended in failure. This was when McClellan wanted to capture Richmond in the spring of 1862. Instead of attacking Richmond directly, McClellan lead his troops on a peninsula between the James and York rivers, which only wasted their time. After this, McClellan was dismissed.
Negative Impact: He reportedly underestimated the size of the Confederate army, so McClellan refused to press the Army of the Potomac to fight, despite Lincoln's directions. He ironically was afraid to send his troops into battle, even though they were ready to fight. This was because he was waiting for the "perfect moment" for them to fight, but in war, there are no perfect opportunities. Also, when he tried to organize a Peninsular Campaign, it ended in failure. This was when McClellan wanted to capture Richmond in the spring of 1862. Instead of attacking Richmond directly, McClellan lead his troops on a peninsula between the James and York rivers, which only wasted their time. After this, McClellan was dismissed.
union or confederate?
Union flag
General George McClellan fought for the Union's side. This picture depicts an 1863 Union flag, with 35 stars and 13 stripes. In the Civil War, McClellan fought from 1861-1864. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and lived in the North, which contributed to why he was on the Union's side.
most important Contribution
General George McClellan's most important contribution to the Civil War was that he created and lead the Army of the Potomac, which had over 100,000 soldiers. The soldiers came from various ethnic groups, backgrounds, ages, etc. and all needed to be trained. McClellan had the fine ability to whip all of these men into a well trained and prepared army, which is exactly what the Union needed.