Antietam_BL3

=  **The Battle of Antietam**      = Allison Long

3. Antietam was fought at Washington County, Maryland.
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6. At dawn on September 17, the Union soldiers made a powerful assault on the Confederates left flank that began the bloodiest day in American Military history. The fighting remained around Dunker Church. Union fires against Sunken Road hit the Confederate center, but the advantage didn’t follow. Later in the day Burnside’s corps crossed the stone bridge over the Antietam Creek and attacked the Confederate’s right side. =====

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A.P. Hill’s division arrived from Harper’s Ferry and drove back Burnside’s corps, saving the day. Confederate General Lee committed his entire force while Union General McClellan sent less than three quarters of his army in. During the night, both armies brought their lines tighter together. Even with horrifying casualties General Lee still continued to battle through September 18, while moving his wounded south of the river. After dark on the 18, General Lee ordered his army to withdraw. =====



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7. The Confederates were hidden behind the high banks of the country lanes, but McClellan had a strategic advantage because one of his scouts found a copy of the Confederates army battle plan. A huge amount of Union soldiers broke the Confederates army line and huge death toll took place there. (Sunken Road or "Bloody Lane") More southern Soldiers came just in time to defend against another Union attack, but the Confederates were forced to retreat by nightfall. =====

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10. A major impact this battle had in the war overall was the severe loss of men. The very first day of the battle was and is still known as the most bloodiest day in American military history. For every four soldiers, one was killed, wounded, or captured. Also, for the North the battle of Antietam "saved" the nation because the Confederate invasion was turned away. The Battle of Antietam also led to the second attack of Gen. Robert E. Lee which resulted in the Battle of Gettysburg. =====

Sources Used http://www.historyanimated.com/AntietamAnimation.html   http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/battles/md003.htm http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Battle_of_Antietam/ http://aotw.org/oob.php http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/jb/civil/battle_2 http://aotw.org/exhibit.php?exhibit_id=6