Lincoln’s worst year: The Civil War in 1862
In this lesson, we are continue learned about the Civil War. In April 1862, the first bloody battle occur, the Battle of Shiloh. General Albert Sydney Johnston led the Confidence to a surprise attack against the union. Neither side won nor lost the battle, both side was serious injured. However, in the battle of Shiloh, Johnston was killed.
Meanwhile, Lincoln was changed things up. He fired McDowell, after the Battle of Bull Run. He put General George McClellan in charge of the Armies. McClellan’s plan was to bring the Potomac down to the river of Chesapeake Bay and east of Richmond and move by land on the city from its less-defended eastern/southern side (page 95). However, General Joe Johnston find out about McClellan plan, so he surprise him by attack south of Richmond. The Confederate win that battle (Peninsular Campaign), however, it left Johnston hurt, so Robert Lee became commander of the army of Northern Virginia.
Lincoln wasn’t pleased with McClellan‘s performance at the battle of Peninsular Campaign, so he fired him and put John Pope in charge. Pope plan was similar to McClellan, Pope would take the army south and attack Richmond from the Northside (page 96). However, the same thing happen, Lee find out and surprise…show more content… However, Lee did, he plan to cross the Potomac River north of Washington and flanking from the back side (page 96). Somehow, McClellan and his army surprise lee at the Potomac River. In the battle of Antietam, many solider were killed and wounded on both side. Lee army went back south to Virginia, McClellan had a chance to defeat Lee army, but he didn’t. Lincoln was angry at McClellan, because he had a chance to defeat Lee army. Lincoln fired McClellan once again. Ambrose Burnside became the new commander. Burnside plan was to attack Richmond through the town of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Once again, Burnside plan fail and Lincoln fired