Debate: The Battle of Antietam

In our War Department™ Antietam episode, hear our experts discuss and analyze the cause, course, and consequences of the Battle of Antietam. Featuring Park Ranger Keith Snyder as well as the Trust's own Garry Adelman, this episode covers the varying command styles displayed on the battlefield and answers the age-old question: who won the battle?

[@richardmitchell2527]

I am so glad to see this video. My Great grandfather was captured at this battle, put on a train to the prison at Point Lookout. Him and many others escaped before arriving to the prison. He later joined his forces and was captured again at Cold Harbor and taken to Elmira prison where he spent the rest of the war. Returned home and became the Postmaster Cana outside of Mt Airy. God was watching over him for sure. SO PROUD!

[@perrykea3783]

Several years ago we took our middle school son to Gettysburg. We had a very meaningful tour experience, and we left for our hotel a few miles away. As we drove, we saw the exit for the Antietam battlefield, so we took it. It was wonderfully laid out for the visitor. To see both places on the same day was an experience my family will always treasure.

[@jasonroberts6080]

I did a 3-day trip with my nephew in 2018 in the spring to both battlefields, great trip

[@RhonwenBear]

My ancestor served in the 51st volunteer regiment of Pennsylvania and fought at Antietam. I am proud of him for his service to preserve the union.

[@wesleyleeper3806]

Never have I had a more powerful experience than my trip to Antietam National Battlefield. Thank you so much for touching on this absolutely bloody and fascinating battle.

[@Smedley60]

This was the most balanced, albeit brief, analysis I've ever heard concerning the battle's outcome. It was refreshing not to hear all of the usual McClellan bashing.

[@Stiglr]

Well, to be honest and fair, almost ALL "McClellan bashing" is earned. The man was a glorified quartermaster, not a field general, and it showed.... every time. Put a *real* general in charge of the Union Army and perhaps Lee doesn't escape. But then, put a real general in charge of the Union Army, and Lee doesn't conduct his campaign in nearly the same way.

[@braxtonswarroom8297]

Agreed!

[@Perkelenaattori]

McClellan's biggest problem is that he trusted the troop numbers given by the Pinkerton Agency way too much. Constantly worrying about being outnumbered.

[@kevin6293]

Perkelenaattori, after Antietam, McClellan wrote, “I concluded that the success of an attack on the 18th was not certain.” How can a war be won if attacks are only carried out when success is certain?

[@Perkelenaattori]

Kevin Ellington. Exactly. I'm not saying that if Pinkerton had given him more accurate troop numbers, he would've succeeded but it might've gotten him to act more decisively. McClellans biggest success in the Civil War was that he created a large well drilled army with excellent logistics but in the end it turned out that this army was a lot better used by another man.

[@mackenzieblair8135]

I'm certainly lucky to be 20 miles from Antietam. It's one of the best preserved battlefields and I'd suggest a visit (or ten) for any civil war buff. Being able to walk the field makes a lot of the confusion that occurred during the engagement make that much more sense.

[@mhollman8650]

Wish I could be that fortunate! (Utah here)

[@Idahoguy10157]

Both times Lee took his army north...he lost

[@LBPproductionz1]

This is the best civil war history channel

[@paulelliott3220]

I'm hoping to visit this battlefield at some point Fascinating discussion Hope that Ranger is there too .... practical, knowledgable and very interesting Brilliant

[@colerape]

As both a professional officer and military historian I believe this is one of the best commentaries about the battle. I wish there was more. However, as the commander's of this battle would readily agree, time is the most limited resource of all. The Trust did the best they could with the time they had. I totally agree with "the Trust's" assessment. The point I'd like to reinforce is the fact that every commander to this point were faced with tasks that they had no way of understanding let alone accomplishing. They just didn't have the experience yet. Everyone that I know constantly screams, "why didn't they pursue?". However, neither side really understood how to "consolidate" post battle for army sized units. Without effective consolidation a pursuit phase is a pipe dream.

[@pauleyplay]

Well said. After the battle & total destruction of both sides pursuit was out of the question, Build a army on the move. Good luck with that!

[@Synthetic-Rabbit]

These videos are great, I appreciate your organization posting them

[@danielplainview3003]

Thanks again for the fine presentation!

[@missmissy2490]

Park Ranger Snyder is incredible!

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

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[@284Winchester]

Thanks for this video. My GGGgrandfather was killed there on Sept 17 th. He was in the 13th Alabama infantry

[@fateagle4life]

I have always had 1 question about this battle. It is said to have rained for almost 2 days after when the Rebs were camping in the field where the cigars were found. No way that paper and those cigars were still together and readable.

[@daleaeschbacher3955]

Great video

[@johnhoyle1647]

Never once heard a.p. Hills forced march mentioned..still a good video

[@pauleyplay]

Yes you are so correct. However or but, WHY didnt Burnside get across that bridge in the morning ? Got to love history!!!

[@Mr100741]

I wonder how they managed to get Adelman to sit still for a couple of minutes? I have never seen anyone before or since that is so Hyper as Adelman.

[@davidfaas58777]

Now a Days the #Battlefield is Just Wondering Souls & Restless Spirits !

[@bradcohen875]

kenth sinder what battle was 1 day before the battle of antietam?

[@fateagle4life]

Oh and Lee came north to gather supplies and food, which he did in Maryland and Harprr's Ferry. Lee also got the war out of Virginia. Lee, lol, knew he couldn't win with 35,000 men. This was a gathering mission, he achieved what he wanted.

[@pauleyplay]

Not quite. Harrisberg was his destination

[@fateagle4life]

@@pauleyplay Harrisburg? Just how was he gonna cross the Susquehanna River to get there? Pontoon bridge across a 2 mile wide river?

[@pauleyplay]

@@fateagle4life Your point is taken. However facts are river is 3712ft at city island. At the island 1200 ft on each side. A old saying about the Suskie is a mile wide & three feet deep. Just above one can wade the river in the summer. Quick history Ewell to carlisle.,sending Earley to York. Stuart made a famous run around Hooker north to hook up with Early. Tons of info about Lees intentions north. Stop at Cashtown to consolidate his army. Shoes & sauerkraut was reported to be in abundence at Gberg.Neither side wanted a fight in or around the town. Got to love history!

[@fateagle4life]

@@pauleyplay I don't think an Army can wade a 3ft river at any time. 1ft, sure, but to get wagons and ordinance through that? Also at time of Gettysburg, the river was higher than normal (that a Google search) because of rains. Lee knew hw couldn't get to Harrisburg. I am one of those who believe Lee knew exactly what he was doing during Gettysburg. He had his army consolidate on a town with a bunch of roads converging on it from North and West. The only fault was e didn't have Jackson. Although, not sure he would have beat Meade at Pipe Creek so isn't History great!!

[@starpearlinterlude]

Anyone else here cause you have to watch it for online school😳

[@huhrawz]

Moon Bean lol yes

[@canisxv9869]

thank god no we did ww2 about 3 times in our history classes in high school over here in Germany. We didnt have time for the US history aswell. We did the European history and a few snippets of the US history but only roughly what happened tbh.

[@johnzajac9849]

Western Marylanders were either neutral or supported the Union cause. Lee would have acquired few recruits there.

[@huhrawz]

Mrs Davenport?

[@model-man7802]

Gary looks different without his hat.

[@MrLange256]

Single day... But Gettysburg remains the most important American battle certainly in the Civil War and also across all wars... Gettysburg is in the collective subconscious of every American whether they know it or not

[@BrokeJoker04]

I think lee lost here just because he can’t take those loses. I’m ex-infantry, and knowing that lee can’t take those loses, and achieving his goals makes it a loss for lee to me.

[@hvymettle]

When you factor in the capture of Harper's Ferry, 12,000 troops and 45 pieces of artillery, the campaign was a net positive for the Confederates. Lee took 10,000 casualties and the Union 25,000. It bought Lee two months of respite in the Valley to rest and refit his army, which enabled his victory at Fredericksburg in December. Yes, it was a risky operation, the losses were hard on Lee's army, but it bought him the time he needed.

[@williamhill7312]

Considering the level of death it looks like to me they both lost, Antietam was the bloodiest battle of the war

[@aerofpv2109]

I ask a simple question ... Why do some Americans admire American men and children from slave states killing Union American soldiers because they wanted to keep the status quo of owning a human pet as property to tend to their needs. From the mouth of the Confederate Vice President during the Corner Stone speech in March of 1861 … “Slavery - subordination to the superior race is his natural and normal condition” -Alexander Stevens.

[@Convincedllc]

Nothing like the sound of Americans trying to sympathize for the South

[@monicavanopdurp9853]

You speak entirely to fast to keep up with and understand

[@CruzerLovesveggies]

Robert e lee is trader to his country and no

[@thetarheelreenactor8239]

In English please