Most importantly, Union victory at Antietam provided President Abraham Lincoln the opportunity he had wanted to announce the Emancipation Proclamation, making the Battle of Antietam one of the key turning points of the American Civil War. 

What was the cause of the Battle of Antietam?

Lee wanted to attack the North on its own territory. His target was the federal rail center at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but the Union General George McClellan was pursuing him. Lee decided to stop and confront the Union Army at Sharpsburg, Maryland. In front of the town ran a little creek called Antietam.

Who won the Battle of Antietam and why?

The Battle of Antietam was a Union victory. The Union lost approximately 12,400 men to the Confederate’s 10,700, but the Union had driven the Confederates from the field and ended the Confederate invasion. The battle was Ohioan George McClellan’s greatest success during the American Civil War.

What are 3 facts about the Battle of Antietam?

Facts About the Battle of Antietam



The Union had around 87,000 soldiers, while the Confederates had only 38,000. Around 3,500 soldiers were killed and 17,000 wounded. The battle was named by the Union after the nearby creek called Antietam. It was called the Battle of Sharpsburg by the South.

What was the outcome of Antietam and why was it significant?

Union Claims Victory



Military historians consider the Battle of Antietam a stalemate. Even so, the Union claimed victory. And keeping Confederates in their southern box enabled President Lincoln to finally release his Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862.

Why was the Battle of Antietam called the bloodiest day?

The Battle of Antietam remains the bloodiest single day in American history. The battle left 23,000 men killed or wounded in the fields, woods and dirt roads, and it changed the course of the Civil War.

How many are killed at Antietam?

Antietam Casualties by Type

Status Union Total
Killed 2,100 3,650
Wounded 9,550 17,300
Missing/Captured 750 1,770
Total 12,400 22,720



What is the Battle of Antietam known as?

The Battle of Antietam (/ænˈtiːtəm/), or Battle of Sharpsburg particularly in the Southern United States, was a battle of the American Civil War fought on September 17, 1862, between Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and Union Gen. George B.

What are 2 facts about Antietam?

23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia’s first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

Why was the Battle of Antietam fought quizlet?

Why was the battle of Antietam fought? Robert E. Lee wanted to carry the war into the Northern states and then George McClellan went to Maryland to stop him.

What is the Battle of Antietam known for quizlet?



Fought on September 17, 1862, Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history with over 23,000 casualties (men listed as killed, wounded, captured or missing) in roughly 12 hours. The battle ended the Confederate invasion of Maryland in 1862 and resulted in a Union victory.