Antietam: Animated Battle Map

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

For our returning viewers, these are the same productions as before, just with our new American Battlefield Trust opening. We wanted a more cohesive look moving forward as our audience continues to grow. As always we appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to share our passion for American history.

[@Michalastar]

what a treat

[@tuanvandersluis4433]

sadly this black solders never say combat left alone be seen in the army after 2005.

[@31terikennedy]

@WolfLarsen85Who started the war by firing on Ft. Sumter? The South could have taken their case to the courts There's a very good chance that the Taney Supreme Court would have sided with the South. The South wanted war and they got it. The North fought the war to preserve the Union. The South fought it to preserve slavery.

[@jackcpaenterprises]

sorry could not become a member, did not have that amount of money. however, i did donate a 100 and hope this helps.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

@@jackcpaenterprises We value every penny for our mission. Thanks!

[@rickrose5377]

The rarest words ever spoken: "McClellan decides to attack."

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

😂

[@crispycritterz]

To this day I can't get over McCleullan's inaction at the end of this battle. He had more than enough reserves to pursue Lee and end the war that day.

[@shannonhondo260]

Ive always said that as well but just imagine seeing that many men die before you at your commands. Maybe just maybe he had some sort of trauma brought on by the war and froze. Who knows

[@rickrose5377]

@@shannonhondo260 What everyone said about him (both contemporaries and historians) was that he was very attached to his men, and beloved by most of them. He really didn't want to see anyone die. Admirable, but pretty hard to wage war that way, and so he was cautious literally to a fault. Grant seemed brutal by comparison, but Grant drank to excess, probably to cope with the horror.

[@shannonhondo260]

@@rickrose5377 very well said Sir

[@nickcurran3105]

Living in Northern Virginia I can watch these videos and then drive a short distance to the actual sites. It's so cool to see the landmarks in the videos and then see them in person the same day. The cornfield at Antietam still grows corn. It's an amazing place to visit.

[@CT-5736-Bladez]

Nick Curran I live in Waynesboro Pa 5 miles from the battle of monetary pass and 30 min from Gettysburg, it really is a surreal thing to live a short distance from majors battles like you said:)

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

I was at this battlefield 2 years ago. I was a bit surprised on how compact it really is. Also, the ridge not only behind 'the bridge', but also the ridge behind that ridge looked virtually impregnable, if held by any decent amount of troops. I'm surprised the Union generals thought anything would be accomplished by attacking that way. Apparently though, the Union forces almost succeeded in that direction if not for AP Hill.

[@johnroche7541]

@@sopwithsnoopy8779 Anybody interested in the American Civil War should be aware of the Irish contribution to both the Federal and Confederate armies. The Battle of Antietam(Sharpsburg to the Southerners) is the bloodiest day in American military history but there was hundreds if not thousands of Irishmen killed and wounded. The exploits of the Irish Brigade at Antietam have been well documented and no doubt you saw the beautiful monument dedicated to the Irish Brigade. There is also a beautiful statue dedicated to the 132nd Pennsylvania Regiment which was comprised of Irishmen. The Irish contribution to the Confrderate forces during this battle is not as well known. The famous Louisiana and Alabama regiments had a lot of Irishmen in their ranks. One of the most celebrated Confederate displays of fighting in this battle is the defence of the bridge by Georgians from Toomb's Brigade against superior numbers and delaying Burnside's advance. This documentary states that it was 400 Georgians that defended the bridge.The two regiments involved in the defence of this bridge were the 2nd and 20th Georgia regiments which had a large portion of Irishmen in their ranks. Another Irish connection to this battle is that this bridge was constructed and built by Irish craftsmen and labourers in 1836! It would later be known as Burnside's Bridge. The Medal of Honour was awarded to 1,196 Union soldiers throughout the Civil War. It has been documented that 89 Irishmen were awarded this honour. Some historians argue that the number is higher because Irish soldiers sometimes never put down their place of birth on their enlistment papers. The Irish Brigade was awarded 6 MOH. In 1975 the Congressional of Honour Society presented the Irish President with a plaque in recognition of the Irishmen who were awarded this honour in all the war's and conflicts that the USA were involved in. The Irish have the honour of having the highest number of MOH of any non-American servicemen in the US armed forces. I woud recommend the book "Green,Blue & Grey -The Irish in the American Civil War" by Cal McCarthy. As a matter of interest historians state that at least one third of Washington's Continental Army were Irish. No wonder a British politician stated in the House of Commons "We have lost the colonies to a bunch of Irish immigrant farmers". Wishing you all the best for 2020.

[@vacool9421]

Yeah ..I used to live next to Manassas battlefield...1 night me & a friend went and dug up a skeleton..I call him Gary & I keep him in a rocking chair..Not sure who's side he was on cuz all his clothes r gone...Hold on,I heard a noise...Be Quiet Gary I'm trying to talk!..Sometimes he won't shut up!.. Anyway,lotsa traffic up there...Have a good 1!

[@vacool9421]

@@johnroche7541 thank you sir for that information. ..Everyone who's anyone knows...when ya need the job done it's time for the mean GREEN killing machine!

[@dsambernardo]

I nearly cried at the end. I am from Spain, learning and supporting from the distance your great job and admiring your will to preserve American history. I hope I can go to those sacred places once in my life. I have no words to express how grateful I am for what you are doing to educate and protect places for future generations. I truly admire you people. From the soul of my heart: THANK YOU.

[@samiam619]

When you get to Gettysburg, find the tour company that uses Segways to go around the battlefield. First they teach you how to ride one, then they take you out for an organized tour. Kind of expensive but worth it!

[@dsambernardo]

@@samiam619 Thanks a lot! I will do so when I go! 👍

[@gastonarce]

Comparto el agradecimiento a este envidiable trabajo de preservación histórica. Saludos desde Chile

[@Autobotmatt428]

God bless you

[@dsambernardo]

@@gastonarce Muchas gracias!

[@Nothing-zw3yd]

This is great. My great-great-grandfather fought at Antietam and in Williamsport. He survived, and went back to his farm in Pennsylvania, the land is still in the family.

[@BruhBruh-qo5lr]

In what side confederate or union?

[@Nothing-zw3yd]

@@BruhBruh-qo5lr Union. 61st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Though I think I may have been hasty, his regiment may not have arrived at Antietam in time for the battle. But made it to Gettysburg to clean up Confederate sharpshooters.

[@davedavid7385]

My great-great-great grandfather faught and was mortaly wounded in this battle. He was the Virginian 6th infantry devision G. I will never forget his sacrifice for what he believed in.

[@Afrimusican]

@@davedavid7385 What did he believe in?

[@dominicvucic8654]

my ancestor was 69th new yotk infantry regiment

[@gabemoore2840]

The sheer death toll is staggering, these men no matter what side lived through something we can't comprehend.

[@pauleyplay]

Well Said So true !

[@JohnGalt1960]

This sort of thing will definitely repeat itself in what's left of this country, we are leading up to it now, sides are galvanizing, it is inevitable.

[@jhb9254]

​@@JohnGalt1960 you sound crazy but I think you're right! I need to move away from the city......

[@no-barknoonan1335]

​@@jhb9254You are feeding into hysteria over something that won't happen. If it did happen, it wouldn't happen in the cities. Cities around the country tend to heavily lean towards one of the political splits you mention. Moreover, most Americans vehemently believe fighting and killing over politics is wrong, only the most extremist of extreme would join in. It's easy to talk a lot of talk, it's very difficult to take a life. People have very well tried to start a civil war, even the online propaganda of the Russian federation and CCP can't divide us that far. The National reserve would be there within hours with helicopters and armored vehicles, the US Air Force would be able to suppress any threat, there is no tech out there any civilian nor militia could muster to take on jet fighters. If US military can go toe to toe with any military in the world, you best believe that power extends to home as well. It is impossible for it to get this far out of hand. Listen, if it didn't happen in the 1960s, it's not going to happen ever again. The gap in tech between an organized military and a militia is too steep, only other militaries can take on other militaries these days. Maybe you can do light gorilla fighting, that's about it. Nothing of the sort will ever happen here, too many things have changed between now and then. In fact falling for the thought that it is inevitable, is what our enemies want us to do, to distract us from the geopolitical moves they are making around the world.

[@tankc6474]

Many any irish man fought and died in that battle on both side's, love from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤️

[@dianealbrecht496]

I visited Antietam a few times. Lovely, lovely, well kept site. The tragedy that happened there was beyond horrifying. Breaks my heart knowing i was walking on the same ground that so many soldiers once lay dying. RIP.

[@joemackey1950]

I make a several week tour of Revolutionary/Civil War battlefields in VA (and Gettysburg) last June. Would like to do it again. I would stand at the fields and imagine what it was like. With Covid/lockdown there were no crowds to interfere, save at Gettysburg, even there not so much.

[@hemihead001]

My ancestor was with the 2nd PA Provisional Cav . He fought the entire war without a scratch . Lived to be in his late 80's .

[@jfk8540]

probably didn’t take a scratch because he was cavalry

[@TM-vq1bf]

@@jfk8540 cavalry didn’t die ?

[@klingergary]

Probably was hiding the whole time

[@3rdgr2t11]

@@jfk8540 2nd PA cav losses 253 men in the war

[@3rdgr2t11]

@@klingergary 2nd PA cav lost 253 men in the war

[@BillLowenburg]

My wife and I visited Antietam in mid-week in the off season and nearly had the battlefield to ourselves. I'd read up on it a little beforehand and had a general idea of what had taken place there. But walking over the bridge and along the sunken road and the site of the cornfields was a very moving experience. This country still hasn't healed from the Civil War and doesn't look like it's going to any time soon. I hope that people will continue to visit the battlefields and learn more about the conflicts back then that have evolved into some of the same ones we're suffering from today, only under different names and slogans.

[@marktwain368]

This bloody conflict tore the noble documents of the Founders into tatters. America can not heal from this. Only try to learn tolerance for all Americans and the higher values of brotherhood and harmony.

[@vgotnofingers]

European here - the American Civil War is taught at schools in Europe, but in general terms only. I was, however, aware that the conflict tends to be described as 'bloody'. Never had any idea how much though. This video series is a masterpiece, perfectly showcasing how 18th century line tactics, in combination with early modern weapons could be so deadly to both sides. This is literally back-and-forth under a hail of bullets. What a horror. I cannot imagine how courageous one would have to be, to do this for an entire day. It would be fantastic to see something like this series made for the Napoleonic Wars.

[@davedavid7385]

My 3rd great grandfather faught and died in this battle. 6th Virginian Infantry devision G. R.I.P. grandpa.

[@kevinpiacente3456]

God bless the south

[@hoge6493]

@@kevinpiacente3456 no

[@jfk8540]

@@kevinpiacente3456 yeah, clearly god was on your side on that one 😂 god stands with the union !

[@trevorthompson8252]

You guys have done an amazing job with these videos. Thank you!!

[@mnpd3]

With the graphics yes; but they play fast and loose with the facts.

[@shannonhondo260]

@@mnpd3 how so? And im not trying to poke at you either, i am just curious as to what you see differently?

[@baxtermason6909]

..the narrator makes this video...he is the best I've ever experienced...LR.

[@baxtermason6909]

...the narrator of this video is the best I've ever heard...I've heard him before...and it's always superb...! BM.

[@thomasshaner2725]

the Dunker Church, is one of the most unforgettable places I've ever visited. the Alamo is the other place.

[@alexvangen745]

Go to Shiloh National Battlefield in TN, Stones River in TN, Franklin TN and Chickamauga/Chattanooga TN! I was there last year. I highly reccomend visiting those battles i listed

[@Arclightraid]

Part of this clash was fought on land once owned by my 4 x Great Grandfather in 1790-1800 which makes it a very special place and one of hallowed ground. R.I.P. all the brave young men whether grey or blue.

[@jwf1964]

Winston Churchill was once asked how he knew the Americans would be such resolute and determined allies, when many of his countrymen were skeptical. He said, “I studied the American Civil War. I knew they would fight to the bitter end.”

[@sovereignyt6314]

You figure they’d learn after 2 wars where the US beat them that they would know American resolve

[@KermitTheGamer21]

I get the Revolutionary War, but what's the second? Because we did NOT win the War of 1812, lol

[@loyalpiper]

@@sovereignyt6314 you 100% never won 1812 because a bunch of natives and out numbered troops and malita threw you out.

[@L0WLIF3iC0N]

​@@KermitTheGamer21AT ALL...& FOUGHT ALONG SIDE THEM IN WW1

[@godwinsonofwessex]

americans and french togeather...whilst on both your soil...at the same time uprisings in india were seen as the most important..the wars of 1776 and 1812 are only relevant to americans no one else...at the same time canada with held you lot. ..get an education mate..something you lot dont understand..as we are taught world history...because we have the greatest history there is...​@@sovereignyt6314

[@stevent9179]

157 years ago today, unimaginable courage, sacrifice and suffering.

[@laughingatu3699]

@Checkmate Chess Channel are you still sore the slave owner lost the civil war? Wow some of you are real human trash cans.

[@user-vp6cq4sv3d]

@Simon Causyn At least they honestly wanted what they did. "I have two great enemies, the southern army in front of me and the bankers in my rear. Of the two the one at my rear is my greatest foe". The only Confederate I dislike is Albert Pike because he truly was scum. But all in all the confederates at worst were puppets to the British.

[@AlexGonzalez-qy3vx]

God I love the music and background sound effects that play every time they make a charge. Goosebumps...

[@suryia6706]

As a Canadian who has visited antietam I was speechless at how flat and open the battlefield. Completely understand why the casuality count were what they were. Impressive place to visit. Great video. Mclellan was a great army building general but his performance in battle was lacking. Burnside should have been sacked too. It took the crater in 1865 to get rid of him finally. Very good video.

[@patrickbaker2802]

when i walked the ground and saw the dips in the hills that hid soldiers for a little bit, i felt the fragility and ferocity of the place.

[@MrJoebrooklyn1969]

Hearing about battles in the Civil War always breaks my heart. So many good men died.

[@ace50cal1]

Tears 😢. May God rest the souls of all Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

[@danshobbies13]

These are great videos. I enjoy watching them. I’m in Gettysburg now and it’s a sight I’ve never seen before. I can’t fathom what these men went through. When I was young and in school I hated history, now that I’m an adult, I have a whole new respect for our American history.

[@alexwilliamson1486]

How men faced/charged at the weaponry used in these days is beyond me? I’ve read about the wounds the rifled musket could inflict. Respect from “across the pond”🇬🇧 Very informative way of doing this for the viewer, keep up the good work.

[@kwpres]

In those days, they cherished life, but were convinced of a better life afterwards if they gave their life on earth for something important. Different times...

[@jacksonguillory8114]

🇬🇧🤝🇸🇴 Britannia and dixie were buddies during the war :)

[@DaDoM123]

@@jacksonguillory8114 Is that the somali flag 😆 but in all seriousness I think britain would have probably aided the Confederacy if they abolished slavery before they left the union. Britain could not recognise a new country that's economy heavily relied on the institution of slavery so we stayed neutral.

[@damondriver6363]

@@DaDoM123 I agree. Same reason why nearly all of the native tribes sided with the Confederates and contributed their own people to their cause, except for a select few, who remained neutral and didn't side with the Union either. The union was pretending to play savior(lying and propaganda about it being fought for slavery)and be all righteous, when they were literally the same govt that majorly contributed to the slaughter and push west of the native peoples. The natives tolerated and even likes the Confederacy, they understood what they were going through. They hated the Union with a passion lol

[@BrianMunger-h3g]

Finally went there and still have my walnut from ‘Bloody Lane.’ Hallowed Ground for sure. Felt a strange peace over the field but still the beautiful landscape is incredible. Stood in the sniper trenches above Burnsides Bridge. Those soldiers had no chance going across, but they did. The bridge was under repair so couldn’t cross it. Only spent an afternoon there. It should be on your bucket list for sure. Love sent and our freedoms were not free.

[@robertweaver5285]

Thank you for this awesome video! My father was assigned to the USS Antietam in 1959. I've always wanted a detailed, concise history of what this battle was like and why a naval aircraft carrier was christened with a name after such battle. Thank you again!

[@suryia6706]

It use to be US policy to name aircraft carriers after famous us battle like Midway, Yorktown etc. That is now changed and all fleet carriers are named after presidents.

[@bspence8552]

My 4th great grandfather, James Wesley Blevins was there with the 21st Georgia Infantry Regiment, Company H. He got shot in the shoulder while crossing Smoketown Rd by attacking Fed's coming out of the East Woods. Lucky for me, he survived.

[@jebstuart4004]

Most impressive. Those men were real Heroes.

[@mattconnors9419]

It's crazy to think, but that's the way the world unfolds. Someone else would be writing this story if yours didn't make it.

[@Scorianos]

I've had the same feelings. My 3rd great grandfather, John Lann, was there with the New York Light Artillery. He was wounded in the leg and taken off the field. I've always wondered, just a foot or so higher...

[@Dartmouth1962]

Were you in the US Navy during th 60s?

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Not an American but these videos are great & very informative. Thank you American Battlefield Trust.

[@citrusmodelrailroadclub8248]

I grew up very close to Gettysburg but being a young child did not appreciate the trips we made to the battlefield. This presentation obviously required a lot of time and effort to be so well done and really explained the happenings very well. I agree with others that suggested a better depiction of the topography would have been helpful. In addition I would have liked to see more animation time and less video footage, especially during description of troop movements, with more labels on the maps while the narrator was describing action so you could better picture what and where he was referring to. But all in all a great presentation. Thank you to ABT for all you do to preserve this period in our history.

[@phil4986]

I've stood on the battlefields of Antietam and looked out over the fields. I made sure I went to the cornfield where repeatedly men where simply shredded by cannon and rifle fire. I went to the hill overlooking the bridge and stood where rebel troops had a perfect position to turn the bridge into a perfect murder zone. I stood in the bloody lane and looked off to the right side where the Union perforated the line and just obliterated the rebels unfortunate to stay behind to continue the fight. I tried to imagine the awful sounds of cannon and rifle, the screams of agony and the otherworldly hellish visages of men and horse living their last broken moments of life. Our family members laying all over those fields, dying into the night. It is a day of unrivaled brutality and amazing courage on both sides. Americans all. May God bless us that we never see another single day like it in America's long history.

[@tpobrienjr]

Excellent portrayal of Antietam. I look forward to viewing more of the Animated Battle Maps. Thank you for the hard work.

[@stacyvonn8036]

I just wanted to give a MASSIVE SHOUT OUT to the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 27th, and 33rd Virginia Infantry regiments and the Rockbridge Artillery Battery will be Immortally remembered for their Dauntless Intrepid and Valorous Deeds on the field proving they were prepared to Engage and Endure suffering harm and injury while showing Courage under conditions where Belligerents were Waging War with Extreme Violence...😊❤️💯🙏

[@eurobeatdrive5200]

The narrator‘s voice is perfect for this video! Could listen all day long 🤝🏻

[@dclark142002]

If you ever get a chance, do visit the battlefield at Antietam. You can't really understand how and why this battle went the way it did until you stand where those men and officers stood. The maps in the video are great, and very informative...but what they don't show is just how rolling the battlefield actually is. The fact that the place where Sumner and Franklin's corps come out of the woods is uniquely situated such that anyone standing there cannot even SEE the CSA center or any of their positions because of the way the ground undulates...yet the CSA center can clearly see that location...helps you understand how Sedgewick could be ordered to attack the left flank of the enemy and yet completely fail to deploy properly...because neither Sedgewick nor Sumner could actually tell where the enemy was. The bloody lane is also impacted by this...as the Union regiments were not visible to the defenders of the lane until very close range due to the way the ground rolls. Thus, that fight was conducted at murderously close range...and the union regiments piled up on each other as they crest the little rise and are immediately presented with a close range fight against an entrenched foe. The fall back by the southern regiments is precipitated by a Union regiment armed with buck and ball rather than rifles or single shot muskets arriving in front of a portion of the lane that was NOT sunken...they took one volley from the enemy...were instructed to rush the line...pushed the enemy regiment out of the way, and then turned and were able to take the entire lane in flank fire with their essentially shotguns. That made the lane a death trap and the southern regiments understandably retreated post-haste. The Burnside bridge fight is at least more understandable. It would only be taken when the seargents of the regiments ordered to attack the bridge just ordered their men to rush over the bridge rather than trying to fire to push the enemy back from the high ground overlooking the creek. Personally, I think Lee intended to fight McClellan around here and dropped the orders as an intentional ruse. But McClellan should have won the day here...but the Union army was still pretty amatuer in terms of skill...and you see that in the clumsy maneuvering, the lack of good scouting and staff coordination, and the poor fighting skill of some of the units.

[@calebshuler1789]

Such death, such heroism its hard to fathom

[@roberthobbs8618]

I was in Sharpsburg in early 2000 on business, and made it a point of going the Antietam Battlefield Memorial. It was a windy, overcast March day when I made it there and as I pulled in, I noticed that the majority of the park was closed, but I did manage to walk around a read some of the plaques on display. I've been a Civil War enthusiast since I was a young boy during the centennial back in 1961-65, and I was going to enjoy what I could that day. I honestly admit, that, as the wind made the noise through the leafless trees, the sound took on an eerie, unsettling type of moan. It was if the lost souls, of those who had given their last full measure, were still there for anyone to hear. I experienced a very odd feeling while there, it was quite unsettling.

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

Excellent video. Antietam is something none of us should forget.

[@shannonhondo260]

God I love this country!! We're not perfect but we have strived to the point that men would lay down their lives to make this country a better place for future generations, and for that I am eternally grateful to those men and women.

[@penguin44ca]

They did indeed and look what it's become.

[@keithg.6651]

I love the myopic shots of soldiers on the battlefield, as if viewed through era binoculars.

[@mattconnors9419]

I watched 4 of these now and they are fantastic! You're giving a birds-eye understanding from a different perspective! Thanks!

[@envirogeekyyc]

One of my 2g great-grand uncles died in this battle. When I first read about the number of casualties I was stunned. This video helps give me another perspective.

[@bulletsalad3927]

I was just at the Antietam battlefield its a beautiful place really cool to go see and learn the history of our great nation

[@michaeldoonan1429]

Excellent presentation. My G-G-Grandfather (Pvt Frank Doonan, 4th RI Inf) and his brother (Cpl Patrick Doonan, 88th NY Inf) fought here and both survived.

[@anyoneyouwantmetobe9861]

Just found this and am loving it. I’m a full blooded Mumma descendant as my maiden name is Mumma. Born and raised in Hagerstown Maryland. Not far from The Battlefield. The battlefield is a wonderful place to visit and learn so much rich history. Bloody Lane always makes me somber after visits there but it is so extremely important that people are aware of how things went down in this gruesome battle. It is sadly about the only thing in Hagerstown that remains to be better preserved than anything and everything around it. Even the people who reside in it and around it. My mother in law is a Burnside. Got a lot of rich history within my family and my husband’s family. Keep up the great work. I’m teaching my kiddos about my family’s history and hope that they can become well versed by visiting this channel as well as visiting the battlefield. Thanks for your hard work!!

[@Stephen-wb3wf]

The more I learn about the Battle of Antietam the more I learn it wasn't the great Union victory I was taught about in school. Seeing the thousands of Union soldiers unused is so frustrating as well. Lee in fact called it the greatest day in the history of his army. It was the day he first called Longstreet his "old war horse". After seeing this video I can understand why. Seeing the thin red bars repulse and attack the swarm of blue columns is so impressive. Honestly the more I learn history in general the more I realize how I wasn't taught history but a fairy tale with an agenda.

[@joannecarolyn5018]

Hi! I'm from Singapore, and have an avid interest in the American Civil War. Each time I watch programmes about the Battle of Antietam, my heart breaks... For both sides 😢😢 On this 159th anniversary of the battle, I pray that their brave souls are at rest 😢🌹🌹🌹

[@HipsterDoofus100]

We don’t need your whole life story

[@stephen1137]

Greetings, Joanne. As for HipsterDoofus... I think the account name is telling, although I think that HipsterCad or some such would have been more appropriate. Tell me, as you are in Singapore, what brings you to an interest in the American Civil War, or The War of Northern Aggression?

[@chaseklein774]

Props to the camera men for getting this amazing footage while all this fighting was going on around them!

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

It's not an easy job, but I do what I can! - Andy

[@stephenspilker9334]

just discovered this channel and i love it. i have learned more here than i ever did in school.

[@PhilKelley]

Thank you. I just read about this battle in Bruce Catton's book, Terrible Swift Sword. You really brought this battle alive in this video - much more useful to a study of the Civil War than a film could ever do, no matter how accurate.

[@WinterOne22]

Excellent work. As a suggestion: Could yall create a video explaining the artillery of the time. In many of your videos you have referenced "crossfire" for artillery to win a section of a battle. The physics and science behind civil war artillery is ill explained, and I think it would be a natural stepping stone for yall's content. Keep up the good work!

[@omegastar19]

Im not an expert but I know enough that I think I can explain the importance of crossfire. Armies of this era (and the previous 100 years) had very stiff formations. Regiments formed incredibly broad but shallow lines. Men stood shoulder to shoulder facing the same direction. This maximized the amount of fire regiments could pour into the enemy lines. This also meant that it did not matter much at which section of the regiment the enemy aimed its guns at. The lines were so shallow that soldiers were technically only ever aiming at a single enemy soldier at a time. That is, if the soldiers were facing the enemy head-on. Everything changes when one regiment engages another regiment at an angle, with a 90 degree angle being the most optimal. In that case, the regiment is facing the other regiment directly from the side. This allows the flanking regiments to pour all their fire into a small space because from their point of view, the enemy soldiers are all standing behind each other instead of standing next to each other. As a result, the chance that enemy soldiers get hit by bullets is massively increased, because any bullets that miss the first soldiers have a signifigant chance of hitting the soldiers standing behind them. At the same time, the enemy regiment cannot fire back effectively because their soldiers are blocking each others range of fire since they are standing behind each other. Rotating a regiment while it is receiving crossfire is also incredibly difficult. Now, in the case of artillery vs infantry, a lot of the same benefits apply. By the time of the American Civil War, artillery was starting to become more accurate. Artillery officers of this era were well-trained soldiers who had often spent years learning about geometry. They knew how to aim. So if artillery battery is facing an enemy regiment at a 90 degree angle, then they only really need to get the direction right - if the shell if aimed too high to hit the first soldiers, itll hit the soldiers behind them instead. In the case of artillery vs artillery, a crossfire implies that one side’s artillery is able to fire on an enemy battery from two different locations at the same time - one battery fires at the enemy head-on, the other one at an angle. In such a situation, the enemy artillery will be neutralized on short order, because they will always be exposing their sides to enemy artillery fire no matter what direction they face, and they cannot quickly reposition themselves to find better cover. The only realistic option left for enemy artillery is to retreat before the exposed carriage and ammunition of their guns is hit from the side.

[@thethingreywall6520]

Artillery "crossfire" vs. artillery is an example of the counter-battery fire that occurred at Sharpsburg. An example of artillery "crossfire" vs. infantry occurs at Fredericksburg in front of the sunken stone wall in front of Marye's Heights. Field fortifications at and around Lee's Hill created reentrant angles and swept the ground in front of the sunken road with withering artillery fire.

[@thethingreywall6520]

The modern box barrage was foreshadowed by the concentrated counter-battery fire that was often used against the southern artillery units. Federal artillery was far superior in numbers and quality and their counter-battery fire was the nexus of these two characteristics. At Sharpsburg the Confederate batteries were forced into employment to repulse Federal infantry and the far off Federal guns could focus on the Confederate batteries.

[@888jackflash]

There are some excellent KZbin videos on this subject, including a number of excellent live-fire excersizes, using period-accurate rounds and propellants.

[@rengarcia5189]

These presentations are absolutely astounding, brilliantly summarizing the battles and shining a light on these sacred American places that must never be lost.

[@GameLeaderR]

Great video. I love how you show the line movements as groups of individuals not just as lines. It helps them feel more like people and less like just parts of a battle map. It also makes it feel worse when a group is caught in a bad spot or retreating.

[@jeffbenton6183]

It's also a great way to visualize when a unit disintegrates or routes.

[@seanharshey]

Outstanding video, animation and narration. Thank you for producing and publishing these. Also, thanks to the re-enactors for recreating these movements. It all comes together to simply explain a complex and chaotic day. Very well done. There are no words to sufficiently express my respect for the Officers and men who fought that day. Thanks again.

[@KarnaksDreamofLife]

I live near the battlefield and my school is like 5 min away so I happy it’s not so forgotten and I’m i’m going to it again this year

[@Jaasau]

The production quality on these videos is simply incredible. Massive props to the team who created them and the reenactors.

[@amaree9732]

My Great grandfather fell at Antietam. He tripped over that monument they have there.

[@amaree9732]

@TriplePlay Really? You're the first person who said that. I prefer a little humor with my history, but okay.

[@RushGamma]

@TriplePlay its plenty funny

[@gasperpoklukar8372]

@TriplePlay I chuckled.

[@Elitecommando501]

Hahahaha 😂😂😂😂

[@moonlightthenightlight4421]

You made me snort. Congrats.

[@happytrails1963]

Lived in Boonsboro for awhile and was all over this historic area. Watching historic civil war documentaries like this is really telling. Also lived in Hagerstown and Frederick. Went to Harpers Ferry a few times. So many ghosts.

[@stephen1137]

Ghosts?

[@isaacwoodside3131]

I don't get tired of watching this. Awesome production

[@averageguy1261]

These productions are powerful.

[@nickmciver5402]

It’s really amazing that those boys held the line for the most part. The battle of Sharpsburg is a cool battle to learn about, very good vid.

[@joshia37]

The slaughter is unimaginable ...that's war...well done ABT

[@richiecuzzz1]

When I'm finished with college I'm gonna visit this battlefield.

[@JasonPaisley]

Get there early in the morning. If you ever visit Shiloh get ready to spend a day there as there's all kinds of hidden info in the forest trails.

[@stonewall554]

highly recommended. it is relatively unchanged. To look out over the corn field near Dunker Church, to stand in Bloody Lane and to walk over Burnside's Bridge is surreal, hard to verbalize, you can almost feel the hallowed ground. You can then head about 1hr 30mins south to Manassas, Va and take in not 1 but 2 battles. Manassas is kept very nice and you get to see where Thomas Jackson became Stonewall Jackson. :)Or head an hour north to Gettysburg, stand in Devils Den, look out from Little Round Top, and walk Pickets Charge. All very worth while trips.

[@CelticApollyon]

I actually live about 5-7 minutes from the battlefield by car. On nice days, I can be found there. Been there countless times over my lifetime, and it never gets old. The feeling you get walking among the paths is indescribable. Fun Fact: my last name is Jackson. I'll let you guess to whom I'm related. :P I'm not bragging or even proud of it, but the history is interesting to me.

[@richiecuzzz1]

may day That’s part of the reason I want to go! I’ve heard a lot of cool stories and want to experience something like that.

[@richiecuzzz1]

CelticApollyon That’s awesome man! I’m a history junkie so anything that has to do with military history or history in general I’m in love with. I’m so glad everyone is giving me good suggestions!

[@nyy190343]

Amazing how differently a battle was waged without instantaneous communication technology

[@JawHacks]

This is the best channel on KZbin.

[@JawHacks]

By the way, I first started donating to you guys back in 2007 when you were still the Civil War Preservation Trust. I have a large stack of battlefield maps from you that I've collected over the years. They are thumbtacked all over my house.

[@AmericanIdiot7659]

Just realized how hard it was to get a actual good and working strategy that pushes the defending enemy back back in the day.

[@indy_go_blue6048]

In only one campaign (until Appomattox) was an army almost complete destroyed, and that was Franklin-Nashville.

[@MR-2_AW11]

Living in Hagerstown the fact I can just drive 30 minutes and see the landmarks from the battlefield is amazing and sad at the same time.

[@pauleyplay]

30 minutes to the battle field ?

[@williamstocker584]

Hagerstown isn’t far from Antietam you can get their in 30 mins or less

[@55098]

Sid Meier's civil war collection for PC was a classic 90s game I used to love to play.

[@johnwhite7219]

These are beautifully written and presented. Thank you.

[@BWThompsonAZ]

I was walking the Antietam battlefield one day years ago and felt an eerie presence of so many casualties. I had to leave, feeling unworthy to trod such hallowed ground.

[@davidschneider6306]

Walking Antietam I had a profound deja vue experience that left me emotionally drained.

[@RollTide1987]

That ending narration and last shot always gives me chills.

[@lanemeyer9350]

Ambrose Burnside is buried 5 min from my house in Providence, RI. I’ve visited his grave many times, beautiful cemetery

[@Danjan1208]

How those men got their legs to move forward into almost certain death or maiming is something I’ll never understand. The savageness and brutality is beyond comprehension. All of those soldiers on both sides have got to be some of bravest men to ever go to war

[@TheStapleGunKid]

It's simply because it's what everyone else was doing. That was one reason they used those tight formations. You see everyone else marching in one direction together and you are naturally compelled to do the same. Anyone who didn't would be instantly singled out and arrested for execution, or just flat out shot on the spot.

[@splintercell275]

So informative and well done. Thank you! Some of the best civil war videos on KZbin are from this channel

[@interman7715]

I have so much respect for the men of both sides that faced those horrors.

[@furbs9999]

I watch these productions after reading about them in Shelby Foote's books, just a fantastic addition. Thank you so much.

[@vacool9421]

Try..Antietam Landscape turned Red by Stephen Sears.

[@Gettysburg-cz8hx]

@@vacool9421 S. W. Sears. One of the best Civil War writers of all time!

[@JamesTheCivilWarGuy]

im doing just the same thing.... shelby foots read and these videos are so good. the understanding gained is priceless...

[@furbs9999]

@@JamesTheCivilWarGuy They definitely help me visualize the battles.

[@jeffbenton6183]

You should check out Time-Life's series of books from the 1980's. There's lots of great maps like we see in these videos, some more strategic context, a great look at the technology and lot's of small personal stories of individual soldiers. Also, there's none of Shelby Foote's incorrect, biased opinions (though some of his opinions are correct, not all of them are).

[@gre8132]

That map looks great. Would love to have a copy of that

[@Ace_Hunter_lives]

This is fantastic. I've watched numerous other videos on Antietam, but none give the larger sense of geography, the battlefield, and troop movements. Also, it's good to see maps of the area that are correct. The video available from the actual Antietam Battlefield visitor center briefly shows a map that suggests Harpers Ferry is southeast of Washington and Frederick is due east. Great work to everyone who put this one together!

[@prussianjaeger13]

Can't believe USS Antietam got renamed. Deadliest day in American history, and a "victory" that paved the way for emancipation.

[@DaDoM123]

Great respect from a Brit to the Yanks and Rebs who fought bravely at that battlefield truly courageous men.

[@kfiscal01]

Sharpsburg is one of the most well preserved battlefields of the war. I highly recommend a visit.

[@msxmurda2385]

Every once in a while KZbin suggest something awesome! I just love these videos. I’d like to see videos from the Korean and Vietnam war. My dad’s brother fought in Vietnam with a group called “Tiger Force” and not a lot of people know about them.

[@AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

Thanks! We only cover the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War, but we hope you are able to find other things on our channel that peak your interest!

[@ShellShock11C]

My Grandad fought in Vietnam as well.

[@mudhutproductions]

I have walked in that sunken lane at Antietam. There were dead men piled upon each other up to seven feet deep in places along it after the battle. It was very surreal.

[@tonyroulette6179]

My family fought on both sides,my relatives owned the Roulette farm nearby to the battlefield

[@vacool9421]

Did they sell it?...I only inherited my family's attitude.

[@tonyroulette6179]

They sold it or turned it over to the park service from what I heard

[@vacool9421]

@@tonyroulette6179 hi ..yeah that's good if they sold it to the park service..I mean.if you couldn't have it..Ide go take it back..give me my farm back Mister!...Thanks for responding..

[@tonyroulette6179]

Va Cool I live in wa.state and already have a farm ,I can’t believe how much family I had in the civil war,Dennison’s,potters,poes,Roulettes,Cody,

[@mab4670]

Another awesome video! I appreciate these individual battle overviews because you do an excellent job helping the viewer get a “bird’s eye” view of the geography of the battle location.

[@Vinylcommunity89]

Such a great job with these videos and Narrations thank you !

[@888jackflash]

This is quite excellent; two weeks ago, a day before the 158th Anniversary, I was on the Battlefield for the first time (during a cross-country motorcycle-trip). With the images and memories of being there fresh, this video really helps me understand what my Gr Gr Grandfather's 6th Wisconsin / Iron Brigade went through. Thanks folks... this is important historical material, well-produced... SO much better than the cheesy History Channel junk.

[@jasonpalacios1363]

The total deaths in the US Civil War reminds me of the quote my wife said to me, "Your best friend and your worst enemy is yourself."

[@vacool9421]

Maybe..but my friend's wife shot him in the foot last year...Watch whoever you are with ..And watch them close...have a good 1!

[@indy_go_blue6048]

Between adding wounded who died in 1866-7 and modern historiography, the total number of casualties is now accepted as 700-750,000, of which 2/3 died of disease.

[@arjeeturla5409]

this video is gonna get 1M views

[@danielannett1019]

you guys are great at what you keeping this part of US history alive I'm from the uk but i studied the civil war in senior school and loved it. p.s could you guys do a animated map of the battle of Chancellorsville

[@johnavery522]

I live just across the Maine border in Canada and I find this fascinating.

[@thefactualconservative9922]

Your work is amazing. I am trying to let more history teachers know so they can use these in their classes.

[@richardernsberger5692]

This was a video about the tactics of a specific battle--fascinating, to be sure, but school classes seldom get into the weeds like this. They are more about big-picture issues--and rightly so.

[@vacool9421]

They won't let them see this in public schools...it has Confederates in it.

[@vacool9421]

@may day It sure seems that way lately!

[@jeffbenton6183]

@@vacool9421 Yeah, but the Confederates loose, so there's that. (Yes I know that this is a joke, and over a year old; this is my weird way of adding to the joke, sorry)

[@rogerbutt4723]

Been there . Been to lots of battle fields . Never experienced the feelings I got there 🙏🏻

[@ASE_Avenue]

Thank y’all for the good work

[@forwardobserver6441]

My great great grandfather was there with co I 8 Alabama emerald guards. Man what a slugfest! This was Ali frazier or wilder fury 1 in the 1860s just more serious results. I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere near the sunken road- or cornfield

[@asktheuniverse2718]

17,000 and counting dead… that’s the population of an entire town not to mention, all made of young men in their prime… Let that sink in.

[@franktodd3247]

I’m just starting volume 2 of Shelby Foote’s narrative. These videos provide fine company to his volumes. Many thanks!

[@marktwain368]

Me too! Foote's book is a magnificent historical account with incredible details of the leaders and officers thinking, and the enormity of the conflict that tore America in half. It will stand as the greatest telling of our most painful history.

[@rodgermurphy5721]

Fantastic work

[@muskiedave7197]

My great grandmothers older brother was a Sargent in Company K in the Wisconsin 6th Volunteer regiment of John Gibbon's Iron Brigade. He somehow survived Antietam, but was severely wounded at Gettysburg in July of 1863. Died pitching hay in the 1880's in North Dakota Territory.

[@marktwain368]

May he rest in peace, for he served his country well.