The War to Save the Union

In late 1861, Lincoln appointed General George McClellan to lead the Union. Early in the war, McClellan played an important role in raising a well-trained and organized army for the Union. He was known for his organization and neatness, but those skills steered to a disadvantage of challenging opponents in a quick battlefield situation. His hesitancy in making fast decisions led to his removal in the Army of the Potomac. The politicians, however, were not pleased with General McClellan. He thought he knew how to control the unity of the nation better than President Lincoln. He went against the politicians but was well respected by his army although he wasn't the best general. The removal of General McClellan represented a loss for the Army of Potomac to an extent, but it was a victory for the politicians in Washington.

McClellan's leadership and tactics used in the army made Lincoln question his choice in generals. After the Battle of First Bull Run, McClellan was in charge of building the Army of Potomac. In 1862, McClellan led the army down Chesapeake Bay to the James Peninsula. He used the Peninsula Campaign, which was a plan to bypass the ground of Virginia and use a water route to approach Richmond. Instead of attacking the capital, Lincoln told his troops to attack Stonewall Jackson's regiment as it was threatening the Union's capital. McClellan's plan was destroyed and he was unable to make a quick decision. He was soon defeated by the Confederates and forced to retreat. Lincoln put McClellan under the control of General Halleck but after his defeat, McClellan was in charge again to control his troops. In the fall of 1862, McClellan cornered General Lee between Potomac and Antietam Creek. McClellan refused to advance on the Confederates. The Union was defeated and Lincoln removed McClellan from the Army of Potomac.

Because General McClellan often dismissed President Lincoln's commands and led the troops himself, he was removed from the army. The politicians wanted McClellan out of the army because he was not qualified under pressure. His beliefs in war were not compatible with those of the politicians. President Lincoln stated, "If General McClellan isn't going to use his army, I'd like to borrow it for