Lex Fridman · Bloodiest day in American history | Gary Gallagher and Lex Fridman

1. 1. McClellan got within 5 miles of Richmond but was pushed back in the Seven Days Battles, which boosted Lee's reputation.
2. 2. Lee's invasion of Maryland in September 1862 was the first Confederate invasion of loyal states, but his army was undersupplied and suffered heavy straggling and desertion.
3. 3. McClellan captured Lee's Special Orders No. 191, revealing the entire Confederate campaign plan, yet he still moved slowly.
4. 4. The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single day in US history, with about 23,000 casualties.
5. 5. Confederates viewed the Maryland campaign as a success because Richmond was no longer threatened and Lee's reputation soared.
6. 6. Lincoln removed McClellan from command the day after the November elections, replacing him with Ambrose Burnside.