Historian Reacts - America's Bloodiest Day: Antietam by The Armchair Historian

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#History #CivilWar

[@KingofDiamonds85]

Robert E. Lee's line in Gettysburg: "to a be a good soldier, you must love the army. To be a good commander, you must be willing to order the death of the thing you love."

[@Kriegter]

Like him or not this is the one battle where Mclellan can rightfully say he merely failed to lose

[@josephhewes3923]

McClellan quite nearly destroyed Lee's Army and isn't given credit for it. Literally, he's the commanding General of the attacking Army on the bloodiest day in American history and everyone wants to call him timid. The Confederates are on the high ground and McClellan's army has to move over open ground to attack. Lee doesn't need to have a quarter McClellan's Army to do damage to him. The mythology surrounding George McClellan is astounding.

[@nathanwoods9225]

​@@josephhewes3923McClellan did a good job at first but should have destroyed Lee's army when he had the chance. However, I do agree he should be given more credit...but not that much.

[@jacobwalsh1888]

McClellan was a fool on the battlefield and Antietam showcased it. His army outnumbered Lee's buy such a large margin, and he knew Lee's battleplan. Even a decent field commander should have won a crushing victory. Had the Duke of Marlborough, or The Duke of Wellington commanded the army of the Potomac at Antietam, the American civil war would have ended that day. McClellan deserves every single piece of criticism levied against him. If that sounds harsh, it is, McClellan apologists annoy me.

[@cody5059]

McClellan was timid with multiple failures. Peninsula campaign comes to mind. His troop movement was incredibly slow as well. His legacy is well deserved

[@FuzzyStarburst]

Every VTH reaction video: "I don't know much about this topic, I hope I can learn something." "So here's a bunch of details about this topic and a few obscure facts, and let me correct this and this."

[@JoanieAdamms]

I had this in my watch later, but of course you come through, nothing like having a layered educational experience having another layered educational experience on top, bully for you sir!

[@rolln8ths]

Those are the best!

[@CodyChepa88]

Samee

[@mattway18]

I’ve told a couple friends of mine about this channel because they like history, too.

[@vegemarkr4582]

to be honest you should watch the original first to support the creator

[@JoanieAdamms]

@@vegemarkr4582 Don't worry, I always try and make sure I do

[@iTz_Plewtoe]

McClellan was also using Allan Pinkerton for intelligence in finding out Lee’s strength but unfortunately was inaccurate.

[@undertakernumberone1]

My opinion on McClellan from all I've heard and read: He's somebody you want on the Staff, or somebody you want in charge of supplies and training... Coming up with plans... but he is not somebody you want in command of a fighting unit. McClellan didn't have the stomach for the dirty side of war, only for the neat one of standing over maps, organizing etc. About Hooker: Wasn't it that he was called "Fighting Joe Hooker" because of a typo in a newspaper? It was meant to read "Fighting - Joe Hooker" and ended up as "Fighting Joe Hooker", i think Hooker didn't even like the nickname? Though that part i might remember wrongly.

[@johnsullivan3060]

Most likely what you say about Mac is true. He's no Patton or Erwin Rommel etc... Did he need to be? Perhaps he understood the overall strategy of the War better than we give him credit for. That is, the only way we lose this war is if we allow the Confederates to beat us on the battlefield. Why risk it? Move our troops strategically from one fortified position to the next. Artillery in place to defend any assault and DARE the enemy to attack. Take losses they can't afford. Of course Lincoln (being a politician) doesn't have time for that. Elections are coming. He needs victories on the battlefield. Mac and Lincoln differed on that and a great many other things as per the war. After the Emancipation Proclamation those paths diverged mightily and for good. So yeah, you arn't wrong about Mac but there's perhaps more to the story than just the headlines of history.

[@undertakernumberone1]

@@johnsullivan3060 He didn't need to be a Patton or Rommel. He needed to be a Grant or Lee. The South only had to endure until the north outgrew the desire for union, and most of their offensives were a boneheaded stupidity in an attempt of gaining more territories and to facilitate collapse of northern morale. Meanwhile, the North had to beat the south into submission, even when, originally, they attempted a sort of reconcilliatory warfare, where tehy tried to be as gentle with the civilians and their property as they could be. The South had a harder time replacing their casualties and the north needed to wage a decisive war to smash the confederates. INstead, McClellan and others dithered and delayed etc. Those "dares" as you call it mainyl allowed the Army of Northern Virginia to act as it pleased... until McClellan got his hands on Lee's orders and bungled even that! Meanwhile, in the west, Grant becomes known as "unconditional Surrender" and is mainly stimmied by Halleck and boneheaded orders. The war was basically won in the west, mainly by Grant, Sherman, Thomas, Sherridan... while the east was basically a publicity stunt. Nearly all the attention there, so even when the Confederacy was getting kicked out of major areas in the west, it looked like a stalemate at best to observers.

[@johnsullivan3060]

@@undertakernumberone1 I agree with you totally about the war being won in the west. It's very good to be on the same page as far as Grand Strategy goes. Mac was not on the same page of course and was in no position to dictate to Lincoln what page they should be on. Was arrogant enough to dismiss Lincoln (being a gorilla in Macs Opinion) and how he wanted to approach the war. Which in turn led to Mac being dismissed. :) Just was never on the same page when it came to the politics or the strategy of the war and refused to budge because he knew better than Lincoln. Who was a low class, amateur in his eyes. Which of course is one of many reason to knowingly inflate the strength of the enemy. You see! This is why we have to fight the war MY way not yours. You Gorilla. :)

[@martyrobbins5241]

yeah the Hooker name was a mistake, and it was fairly clear it was too to everyone, due to it Lee wrote of him somewhat mockingly as "Mr FJ Hooker" in his dispatches

[@williamstocker584]

I agree with a lot of what you said I would want McClellan to build/train my army or make him in charge of supplies but I wouldn’t want him leading it however I would take McClellan over Burnside any day of the week

[@stephenparker6362]

Hi, Chris, I watched the original of this but understand it much better with your comments. Whether it is US, UK, or anywhere else your comments add so much

[@xJamesLaughx]

I am soooo looking forward to the Antietam series. Having you, JD, and Gary all in one place doing videos together you cannot get any better than that. You three are some of my all time favorites to watch to learn with and from when it comes to history.

[@dennyjack3rd]

Welcome back yo

[@bamman1003]

Oh man, I'm super hyped to hear about the upcoming Antietam trip. Coincidentally, I've been on a Maryland Campaign kick recently myself and like you tend to seek out everything I can when I get into an historical subject. When I started looking into the Maryland Campaign earlier this year I was surprised to find that a lot of historians who'd done work on it recently actually had a relatively positive view of McClellan's handling of the campaign's operations as well as the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Two books I found were McClellan's War by Ethan S. Rafuse, which considers McClellan's entire service in the Civil War in the context of his personal background and political views; and Too Useful to Sacrifice by Steven R. Stotelmyer, which is the author's attempt at a comprehensive defense of McClellan's conduct of the Maryland Campaign specifically. I found Rafuse, who has taught at West Point and the US Army Staff College and so brings a stronger understanding of how military operations function on a granular, practical level particularly persuasive. I'm still not sure if I agree but he made a good case that McCllellan's tactical handling of Antietam was actually pretty good. I thought his case that McClellan's operational maneuvers during the campaign were actually surprisingly aggressive and effective was strong. At the other end of the debate, Stephen Sears had an extremely critical assessment of the Antietam battle in Lincoln's Lieutenants; although his view of McClellan's reorganization of the Army of the Potomac before the campaign began was positively glowing. I found several videos of lectures and talks by experts on the Maryland Campaign too: A discussion between Rafuse and several historians who work at the Antietam Battlefield reassessing McClellan's Generalship in Maryland from the Tattooed Historian - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2GoaGaPit-pq7c A lecture by an Antietam park ranger discussing perceptions about Antietam, McClellan, the conditions of the AoP and the ANVA and what the realities were - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYGwZYabjcZ8q7s A lecture focusing n the AoP's reorganization and logistics - kzbin.info/www/bejne/anLQl4ejZdqEfK8 I hope this all can help with your research and look forwards to what I'm sure will be some great content coming soon.

[@bamman1003]

To elaborate on the case for a positive evaluation of McClellan's tactical plan at Antietam; Rafuse argues that McClellan was trying to draw Lee towards Hooker so that Burnside could make a breakthrough at the bridge on the right and dash towards the road to Boteler's Ford, trapping Lee's army. But Burnside was slow getting across the Antietam and then didn't push forwards immediately after he got across, giving time for Lee's reinforcements to arrive and block the way.

[@DragonballBlack]

Love what you do never give up

[@David-fm6go]

34:39 One of the best things that Lincoln did when he promoted Grant was to make him a three star General and promote him above Halleck thus, making Grant General in Chief. Halleck got the post when Lincoln demoted McClellan and while McClellan got the Army of the Potomac back for Antietam, Halleck remains General in Chief until Grants promotion. Halleck is the one most responsible for the failure to get Burnside the pontoons he needed on time.

[@eval2474]

Very excited for the Antietam series, and with JD & Garry Adelman, bonus! Can’t wait!

[@nathanieldavis1671]

I despise McClellan, from a historical perspective and military veteran. It is interesting that he skipped over South Mountain and Harpers Ferry. I said it before, My ancestor was at Harpers Ferry. From what I read they hated their commander for surrendering despite the geography.

[@stevesavage8788]

One of my all time favorite vacations: Antiietam, Manassas, Gettysburg all in a row. Thank you for bringing back the details on this battle.

[@TLL1969]

You really should've come south a little to Fredericksburg. :) I was born there and still live in the immediate area...actually in adjacent Spotsylvania County...within earshot of where the Battle of Chancellorsville took place. I'll bet we had activity and encampments on the property my family and I reside on now. :)

[@stevesavage8788]

@@TLL1969 Tony, I actually did! I have family in Fredricksburg. Unfortunately I do not remember much as it was way back in 99 when I was like 12 years old.

[@ootown]

Boy oh boy am I excited for that Antietam content! Three of my favorite historical KZbinrs in one video, what could be better!

[@HistoryMonarch1999]

A good watch! Excited to see your next trips. I myself am driving to Boston for a bunker hill reenactment!

[@CodyChepa88]

I was literally gonna watch this video later. Glad you reacted to it. Hope everyone gets the chance to head over to the original and give him some support. Keep up the good work Chris. 🙏💪

[@AngelWolf12]

I was wondering if you had gotten to this one and I just missed it! Welcome back!

[@David-fm6go]

11:38 a number of the divisions end up mingled relative to corps commander. For instead Hoods division nominally under Longstreet ends up in the cornfield while AP Hill arrives on the right at just the right moment to save Longstreet and his division is nominally under Jackson's corps. This is because Lee deployed them as they became available to where they were needed most. I got a good feel for this by playing Sid Meier's Antietam when I was a kid.

[@zoanth4]

I loved this video saw it the other day, good review!

[@sussybackathethird3872]

Just watched this video yesterday and wanted to comment to tell you to react to it but now I see you already did, you always seem to read my mind with what to react to next!

[@svenrio8521]

Great reaction, can't wait to see your upcoming Antietam series.

[@nathancook9958]

I love the channel, and enjoy watching these videos.

[@TrajanT]

So happy you’re back, good to know the trip went great, can’t wait to see you do more reactions, I think it would be cool if you reacted to the Mongol destruction of the Khwarazmian Empire by History Dose, also another video by them is the story of Alexander Dumas.

[@iTz_Plewtoe]

The union army still loved McClellan up until the end yet they agreed that if Grant was commanding in 1862 the war would have been won in that year, while if McCleallan was in command in 1864 he would have ended the war in the Wilderness by establishing the confederacy. They also agreed they were a better and stronger army with McClellan then under Grant.

[@undertakernumberone1]

It is relatively easy to be stronger if your commander eschews any threat of Casualties however.

[@user-oh6eg4ny3h]

McClellan fought basically of defensive mindsets. He didn’t have the will to attack. Of course troops loved him because he was good at taking care of them logistic speaking but that contradicts the mindset of the civil war. The union wasn’t supposed to be Defensive it was supposed to suffocate and attack and destroy the south. Thats where McClellan failed at

[@__mindflayer__]

Which is kinda funny. The Union army was far better under Grant.

[@Thisandthat8908]

Grant was advancing on enemy territory against an enemy that had all the time in the world to prepare for that. That push was always going to be tough. Having a commander who saves you from fights (but completely fucks up the few he does) might well be more popular. And it is a undeniable and undisputed fact that the army voted overwhelmingly for Lincoln. If you don't know against whom, look it up....

[@JohnReedy07163]

I've never read any of those claims anywhere The Army overwhelmingly voted for Lincoln and Veterans overwhelmingly voted for Grant in 1868 The love for McClellan was basically washed up by 1864

[@noxel99]

can't wait for the new series, as a European who has taken an interest in the American Civil war after watching your videos from those sites i'm quite excited :D Especially with how much you improved since your last videos from American battlefields.

[@shaggycan]

This should have been a pretty easy surround and destroy for the north. Hold the river, make a ton of noise with a third of the army, pretend to just skirmish from the woods but actually put a third of the army in there but keep most of them in reserve, swing the last third of the army with cavalry scouts out front around the back of the woods and drop them in the rear. That gets you to the end of day one. In the early morning send up flares and attack from 3 directions at once, have the west and east try and close up while the army pushes from the woods in the north.

[@Man-of-Steel674]

I think Arm chair historians' mass production of content is what leads to minor inaccuracies like the war plans written by Robert E Lee. He has an amazing serious on war on terror which I would love for you react and elaborate your thoughts, But since you are little hesitant to dive into modern stuff due to some intelligent viewers guess we will have to wait for that. The reason why I want you do at least some videos on that is, most of the videos on war on terror only offer 'America Bad' or 'America Number 1' view point no moderate commentators on that.

[@TheLocalLt]

Yeah his videos on Iraq are by far the most measured and neutral I’ve seen. I can’t remember his Afghanistan video well enough to say definitively about that one but in general Griffin does a good job of avoiding being caught up in common narratives . His video on the foundation of the Kingdom of Germany/Holy Roman Empire being is another great example of this. This Antietam video though does seem to be lacking his usual accuracy and does get caught up in common narratives (about Burnside for example).

[@briangambler9166]

I had an ancestor who fought with Burnside at Antietam. If you go up from Burnside’s Bridge you’ll see it’s monument, the 50th PA

[@megoatc1]

I was just down there last month. A battle I need to learn more about so I appreciate this video. You mentioned you are starting your research. Any suggestions on books? I picked up a couple but am looking for more suggestions.

[@jackhardy606]

Watched this earlier today the animations are amazing. Will you do the Battle of Gettysburg: Birds Eye view. In the future? :)

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

Did that one after it came out

[@jackhardy606]

@@VloggingThroughHistory Oh damn didn't spot that! There's my evening entertainment sorted thanks Chris 👍

[@jpbreeze44]

Since you were in York on your trip to the UK, why don't you react to "5 Great Viking Deaths (And What They Tell Us About the Viking Mindset)" by Epic History TV. Touches on some of the Norseman who were there at one point or another.

[@Isolder74]

The Irish Brigade was at the sunken road.

[@bryant4972]

Fellow Ohioan from Mansfield! Love the content!

[@David-fm6go]

16:04 Correct but there is a "Jackson Division" presently commanded by JR Jones at Antietam and it includes the Stonewall Brigade. Not to be confused with DR Jones division under Longstreet which is basically what will become Pickett's division.

[@kieranfrancke790]

You should come out to eastern PA for one of the largest re-enactments this year! The reenactment of the battle of the Brandywine from the revolutionary war it’s in September!

[@calvinkeinath6955]

I’m going to be at Antietam in August!

[@lizrichardson5160]

If you want other sites that tie into your series on Antietam, you might consider stopping by Monocacy in Frederick since that's where Lee issued his S.O. 191.

[@CHARAZNABLE-lf2zy]

I civil war reenact in the 30th NC and they were in the sunken lane at sharpsburg.

[@David-fm6go]

17:56 Irish Brigade hits the sunken road as part of General Richardsons Division under Sumner. When Richardson is hit, McClellan gives the Division to Hancock during the battle. Hancock is still a brigade commander in the sixth corps when the battle starts.

[@GudenMaust]

Hey you'll probably learn when you get those books but R.H. Chilton did not write the order even though his name is on it. They realized it does not match his handwriting, I'm sure a Lieutenant Colonel probably had several assistants though that copied what he originally wrote though for distribution.

[@Macca17]

I thought Joe Hooker got his nickname from a typing error. Didn't a newspaper mean to say something along to lines of "there has been fighting, Joe Hooker lead a corps" but the comma was missed and he becoming Fighting Joe. That said I do agree it was an apt nickname even if it's origin is accidental.

[@iTz_Plewtoe]

I believe the orders to be specific were in a Manila envelope too

[@David-fm6go]

15:43 Meade is an acting division commander iirc. Reynolds was wounded or maybe captured at Second Bull Run and when he returns he is given First Corps so Meade gets promoted to Major General and is given full command of his and previously Reynolds Pennsylvania Reserve Division. Meade will lead this division to break Jackson's lines at Fredericksburg but his attack is unsupported.

[@msspi764]

There are the usual suspects like Scott Hartwig that I expect you’ve read. There are a couple of books I’ve discovered recently, some of them published this year. The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered is a series of essays that reexamines some of the oft repeated stuff including the false claim that Maryland was forced to remain in the US by force of arms. It also addresses some issues with the common narrative of the Antietam Campaign. Edited by Charles Mitchell and Jean Baker, LSU Press, 2021. Another is Their Maryland; The Army of Northern Virginia from the Potomac Crossing to Sharpsburg in September 1862 by Alexander Rossino (Savas Beatie Press, 2021) Rossino analyzes a lot of nuanced details of the campaign. Some of them may be deeper than you want to get like who used what ford or who lost the lost orders, but there is depth here that challenges some of what Hartwig and others have written. A lot of it is based on a reinterpretation of primary sources. It also deals with the mystery photograph, always fun to see the amount of research time and effort that goes into that. Finally I discovered a book published in 2014, Gleanings of Freedom; Free and Slave Labor along the Mason Dixon Line, 1790-1860 by Max Grivno. It provides some perspective on labor in the Sharpsburg area which provides context to the question of the role of Slavery in western Maryland and puts a foundation on Rossino’s discussion of why Lee’s assumptions about using an invasion to support Maryland’s secession was, at best, ill considered. Lee was poorly advised by hopeful officers who should have known better. That contributes to Lees choice to fight on ground with his back to the Potomac when he could have crossed the river and taken the high ground at Shepherdstown. Like you I’m a Western Theater historian, but I grew up and worked around Antietam, so reading these books I could see all of the areas from my memory. It’s a fascinating campaign, and like Vicksburg and Gettysburg, separating the battle from the campaign is a mistake. Enjoy. And get to some of the peach orchards in Smithsburg and the ice cream place in Boonsboro when you’re there.

[@phillippowers5583]

Burnside made the 3 grand divisions which added a layer a commanded that didn't need to be there. He also kept ordering the charge on Maryes Heights

[@sirboomsalot4902]

22:22 So it’s kinda like Admiral Goto at the Battle of Cape Esperance

[@cy8ercat771]

Could you imagine how insufferable McClellan would have been to be around if he did crush Lee at Antietam?

[@nathanieldavis1671]

I stumbled across Jeffrey the Librarian channel. Check it out. Its historical maps. Antietam That sounds interesting, cant wait to see videos of or from it.

[@Shifty69569]

Please Chris Jeffery has so great content!

[@bjorns131stpa2]

I would love to join you guys there!

[@jameslane2326]

Antietam in August, thats when i went aswell, it was miserable, so hot. There was a tower there, cant remember the name of it, but I about died walking up those steps haha

[@virginiatanker5044]

I’m just over in Winchester. If you get a chance you should shoot over to Kernstown Battlefield

[@confusedcowboy]

Was not aware that Mansfield was from a town over from my hometown

[@dbach1025]

Chris, the thing I love, and I think. Most people do too, is the fact you don't read a bunch of wiki pages for the info you are presenting as original content. I am sure you have used it to check a well accepted fact or something to that nature. That's what it is for in my opinion There are a lot of good original content presenters on YT, but an awful lot are just about getting the quantity out there, and they take short cuts and use wiki as their main or only source, which as you know, can be quite hazardous to the truth....especially where truth is what matters regardless what it is in regards to history. Some of the very popular presenters with a lot of content, and even with a huge production team, basically read from wiki. Thank you for keeping it real as the kids say nowadays. Lol

[@christinesaaty215]

I have had a casual interest in the Civil War period for most of my life. I have read and watched many things, but never knew that it was McClellan who received Lee’s plans!!

[@jackmessick2869]

George McClellan was nicknamed "The Young Napoleon" at first.

[@nathanieldavis1671]

Echelon attacking only work in you have complete comradery and communication between echelon attacking groups. For Antietam the best attack would have been attack and hold. Wear them down. and make sure he dose not redeploy back over the creek to the Confederates rear.

[@iTz_Plewtoe]

I believe they said that almost the whole corn field was chopped down by gunfire and cannon fire.

[@slap_qx]

I think you should do a reaction to the the series "The Ultimate Civil War Series"... would be great to watch your perspective on this.

[@sqike001ton]

O your going to be there when the new visitor center opens I was just at the battlefield last weekend it was last minute so I went with only my basics knowledge

[@MusicalGirl2311]

As a local, seeing Hagerstown labeled as “Hagersville” on a map makes my soul cringe. I don’t think we ever called it that, Jonathan Hager named it “Elizabethtown” after his wife, and it was renamed Hagerstown not too many years after that. And this was in the 18th century.

[@MusicalGirl2311]

Also, that depiction of Burnside Bridge as being that wide, on a wide, straight creek (it’s neither), with minimal trees surrounding it: yikes.

[@David-fm6go]

10:56 American Battlefield trusts 2021 videos or maybe it was 2020 stress heavily the action on the 16th and how McClellan managed to block Lee's path North on the 16th.

[@David-fm6go]

15:24 Rickets was only a Brig Gen at this point iirc.

[@KingofDiamonds85]

This is the battle where the regiment I reenact with became famous, the 3rd Arkansas

[@ernestchoi4464]

Burnside does make a carbine with a self-contained brass cartridge that looks like an ice cream cone which helps seal the bullet in the carbine chamber which I don't think Burnside made a profit on it.

[@1Nathansnell]

I don’t live to far from Sharpsburg/Antietam it’s an hour and some change from where I am

[@strickencold25g5]

You need to check out the Mennonite bakery in Sharpsburg, you won't regret it

[@David-fm6go]

12:06 the American Battlefield Trusts videos point to Hookers move on the 16th being a strategic necessity to prevent Lee slipping away to the North. Whether Lee was in a position to actually do this with his precarious numbers is another matter, but Lee certainly had hopes of pushing further once he had concentrated otherwise the whole invasion made no sense anyway.

[@theunfortunategeneral]

Wasnt burnside very effective in South Carolina? (a campaign I know nothing about.)

[@OldePete]

Read Stotelmyer's book. Some interesting "food for thought" re: McClellan's post-battle image. Certainly, his politics didn't help his survival/reputation.

[@slainteron4027]

Question. Exactly WHERE or round about where were the special orders found?

[@martinsmith4612]

The closest we know is in Frederick County,Maryland

[@dusan3337]

Oh i play War and Peace!

[@phillippowers5583]

Slocum commanded a division in the 6th Corp at the time of Antietam

[@jarhead0627]

McClellan was "an engineer" which is great but wasn't that basically westpoints point back then.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

The top graduates typically went into the Army Corps of Engineers.

[@jarhead0627]

@@VloggingThroughHistory so not g a Custer? Lol

[@celston51]

To be fair, graduating from West Point as 'an engineer' wasn't always a step up to fame and fortune. Many generals listed below, including McClellan, performed civilian engineering work outside of their military commissions because of the small number of jobs available in the Army Corps of Engineers before the Civil War. George G. Meade- engineer Robert E. Lee- engineer Gouverneur K. Warren- engineer George S. Greene- engineer Isaac R. Trimble- engineer John Pope- engineer The problems with McClellan weren't his engineering background...

[@jackmessick2869]

Irish Brigade was in the II Corps, so they were in Sumner's attack.

[@jerrynobbe2705]

It looks like the illustrator doesn't know the difference between corn and wheat

[@gregb210]

"Landscape turned Red" by Stephen Sears is the best account of the Battle of Antietam, IMHO.

[@gregb210]

Best vacation ever was with my son, then 8, when we visited Antietam. He would be killed 10 years later in Iraq.

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I started that one yesterday. Good stuff. And I’m so very sorry about your son.

[@johnsullivan3060]

The Battle of Harpers Ferry is key to perhaps there even BEING a Battle of Antietam. You mentioned that if almost ANYONE else had been in command at Antietam OTHER than lil' Mac the war would played out much differently. Perhaps. How about if anyone OTHER than Col. Dixon S. Miles and been in command at Harper's Ferry? Holding out there for just another 24-48 hours. STONEWALL can't even BE at Antietam if that's the case, Much less any of Hill's men. What does Bobby Lee do then? Miles is the epitome of Union Command problems. Sumner, Mansfield etc...etc...

[@GaryGyarados]

I recommend watching "Star Trek Continues: Divided we Stand" if you have not.

[@sethelrod9099]

General Gordon, a Georgian by gawd…… handful of Confederates holding the bridge, Georgians by gawd . A little inside joke with me and my pards

[@ponyboy733]

are you going to fort Donelson? its beautiful and you can get a AirBNB right on the river just a couple miles away!

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

I’ll probably get there sometime next year.

[@ponyboy733]

@@VloggingThroughHistory its some AirBNB's In Dover just like 4 miles from the battlefield. if you are looking for some! =)

[@Odonanmarg]

Good. I liked it.

[@phillippowers5583]

McCellan was 15 when he went to West Point. Average age was 16

[@invictus7940]

would be interesting to make a video about the native american confederates, if i'm correct the last battle of the civil war was won by an indian confederate general, which is more fun when you think about it. and about the Union against natives, to put into perspective the fact that the union was not nicer than those opposite but at least as racist.

[@Bayard1503]

Most casualties in North American history??? IMO probably the battle of Tenochtitlan... probably around 150.000 dead. The battle is decisive, the Spanish involved are few but even them lose like half of their contingent. Devastating moment, who knows how many more civilians killed and enslaved.

[@joshuawells835]

It is often the point of divergence in works of Alternate History, but had Special Order 191 not been intercepted by the Army of the Potomac, what do you think of the likelihood that Lee could have successfully invaded Maryland and captured Washington D.C. Or what if the Heartland and the New Mexico Campaigns had also been successes for the Confederacy?

[@martinsmith4612]

I don’t think that he would have taken DC because of the Union Armies guarding it

[@chrisigoeb]

Did you ever read "Achtung Panzer" from Heinz Guderian?

[@ryanburgess4470]

Why did McClellan always think the opposing army had more men than they did? Did he not use scouts or advanced units that could inform him of the true strength he was up against?

[@undertakernumberone1]

He did. But any report he got? "Must be more! Send reinforcements!"

[@BlueSideUp77]

I wonder what a President Mansfield would've looked like.

[@kineuhansen8629]

mclellan is that not him that failed to win

[@GamerPhreek]

Sound goes kinda wonky around 29;30 :(

[@iron2684]

China be like: those are rookie numbers man, gotta get them up

[@Anonymoususer44569]

Please do a reactoin to Warographics' video on Fort Sumter!!!

[@Shifty69569]

F&M i cant wait till out of beta version

[@obolontfub7545]

"Suez Crisis (Epic HistoryTV)" :)

[@torresmat10]

Irish immigrants: "We left our country to avoid petty civil strife, why would we join in your conflict?" Union: "The Rebels could potentially be monetarily supported by the British if we lose" Irish immigrants: "Say less"

[@iTz_Plewtoe]

The story of the Federal command is miss understanding orders and a lack of competence. Just a shame

[@sqike001ton]

So some things that I understand about this battle losing hooker to a wound in Mansfield to a mortal wound really handicap the attacks through the cornfield and the right flank of the Union army then summer there comes up takes the first third of his man into the East woods and gets them slaughtered while leaving orders for the other two-thirds to hook in on the left and continue the assault those two commanders not really knowing where they're supposed to go see troops up on the hill just up from the Dunkirk church and proceed to skirt that around to the left like they were supposed to going behind the mama farm and then smacking straight in to the men in the sunken road had they moved up on to the hill where the dunker Church is they might have been able to flank the sunken road instead of hitting it head on which could have resulted in a very different battle altogether

[@EpsteinsRope]

Please review some videos from the channel called SideQuest. They have a video called "when the US invaded Russia" that's very good. Their videos are short, interesting and funny. I love your own videos btw. History loves unite