Historiography: General Ambrose E. Burnside During The Battle Of Antietam
...a continuing process that is under constant scrutiny by a myriad of historians who have differing viewpoints, opinions and biases. This is no exception for the bloody struggle that took place around Antietam Creek on September 17, 1862. One of the most controversial aspects of the Battle of Antietam surrounds the leadership of General Ambrose Everett Burnside. Though most historians chastise Burnside for his lethargy during the battle, some praise his skill; this was caused by their backgrounds and beliefs in certain ideals. Nevertheless, historians agree unanimously that Burnside had a large impact on outcome of the Battle of Antietam.
Most historians believed the Battle of Antietam was the pivotal point of the Civil War. For the Confederates, it was an opportunity that would allow the South to fight an offensive war and to persuade Britain to intervene in their favor. For the Union, it was a victory that finally gave Lincoln the confidence to announce his Emancipation Proclamation. The battle began early in the morning with a Union offensive to capture the strategic vantage point of the plateau where Dunker Church stood. As the push for Dunker Church came to a grinding halt, McClellan next focused on punching a hole through the middle where Lee’s forces have deeply entrenched themselves in the Sunken Road. The Union forces eventually succeeded in muscling their way past the Confederate line but were just to end up being pounded back by General Longstreet’s artillery. In the afternoon, the battle shifted to the south of Antietam Creek, and General Ambrose Burnside was ordered to cross Rohrbach’s Bridge (later renamed Burnside’s Bridge) with his IX corps. After sending waves and waves of troops, the Union forces were finally able to push the heavily outnumbered Confederate soldiers past Cemetery Hill. However, to McClellan and Burnside’s dismay, General A. P. Hill...
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