George McClellan was a U.S. Army engineer, railroad president and politician who served as a major general during the Civil War. McClellan was well liked by his men, but his reticence to attack the Confederacy with the full force of his army put him at odds with President Abraham Lincoln. 

What was McClellan known for?

George Brinton McClellan is often remembered as the great organizer of the Union Army of the Potomac. Nicknamed “Young Napoleon,” “Little Mac” was immensely popular with the men who served under his command.

Why did soldiers like McClellan?

McClellan’s caution in battle seemed like a virtue to common soldiers who felt that it indicated that he wanted to preserve their lives as much as he wanted to preserve the Union. They also saw him as an advocate for their interests, insisting that his men be well-fed and well-supplied.
 

What were McClellan’s strengths as a commander?

McClellan was better at organizing than fighting. He was highly intelligent, but couldn’t wage a successful campaign. He always had an excuse for not engaging the enemy: his men were outnumbered (actually, they were not); he needed more troops; and it wasn’t a good time or place or season for a battle.

How was McClellan viewed by his troops?

McClellan was well liked by his men, but his reticence to attack the Confederacy with the full force of his army put him at odds with President Abraham Lincoln.
 

Why did McClellan not like Lincoln?

McClellan clashed repeatedly; Lincoln pushing McClellan to do something and receiving in return nothing but silence. McClellan would ignore him. He wouldn’t share his plans with his Commander-in-Chief. He had a constant stream of excuses for not moving against the Confederates.
 

What did McClellan do wrong?

General McClellan’s most grievous error was hugely overestimating Confederate numbers. This delusion dominated his military character. In August 1861, taking command of the Army of the Potomac, he began entirely on his own to over-count the enemy’s forces.

Why was McClellan not effective as a military commander?

McClellan ably built the army in the early stages of the war but was a sluggish and paranoid field commander who seemed unable to muster the courage to aggressively engage Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

What was McClellan’s flaw?

Its central character, George McClellan, suffers from a single, near-fatal flaw: hubris. As major general of the Union army, McClellan had an unmatched military mind, but he was unwilling to accept President Abraham Lincoln as his boss.
 

What was the problem with McClellan?

General McClellan’s most grievous error was hugely overestimating Confederate numbers. This delusion dominated his military character. In August 1861, taking command of the Army of the Potomac, he began entirely on his own to over-count the enemy’s forces.

Why was George McClellan important during the Civil War?

While commanding the Army of the Potomac, McClellan engaged Confederate forces in several major battles. Through triumph and failure, McClellan’s service in the Army during the Civil War contributed to Union victory, though his legacy is still debated by historians.

What did Lee say about McClellan?

After the war, Lee pegged McClellan “an able but timid commander,” and the military record between the two justifies why Lee thought McClellan a capable battlefield commander.
 

Why was Lincoln upset at McClellan after the battle?

Lincoln was clearly upset that McClellan had failed to pursue Lee, as he believed that McClellan missed a golden opportunity to strike a decisive blow to Lee’s army had he aggressively followed Lee across the Potomac and attacked.

What did Lincoln think of McCLELLAN?

“General McClellan is indeed a striking figure, in spite of his shortness,” recalled Lincoln aide William O. Stoddard. “He is the impersonation of health and strength, and he is in the prime of early manhood. His uniform is faultless and his stars are brilliant, especially the middle one on each strap.

Why was McCLELLAN removed from power as a general?

McCLELLAN has been removed from the command of the Army of the Potomac and Gen. BURNSIDE appointed in his place. The immediate cause of this removal has been Gen. McCLELLAN’s refusal to advance against the enemy, even under the most peremptory orders of the General-in-Chief.