Antietam Summary

Book Report: Antietam The book I read is called Antietam. It was written by James M. McPherson. Published by Oxford University Press. Antietam—the battle that changed the result of the Civil War. In November 1860, Lincoln was voted to be the president of America. Lincoln's election to the interests of the southern plantation owners was a serious threat to the southern plantation slave manufacturing division. South 11 states have seceded from the union, he announced the establishment of the "Confederate States of America," and drew up a new constitution, election of a new president. Richmond became the capital of confederation States of America. The Civil War began. Shortly after the Civil War began, Virginia chose to join the Confederate
Most important battle in Civil War. “No other campaign and battle in the was had such momentous, multiple consequences as Antietam.”(P.155) The battle has a significant role in the Civil War. “It is the beginning of the end of the rebellion; the beginning of the new life of the nation. Is one of those stupendous facts in human history which marks not only an era in the progress of the nation, but an epoch in the history of the world.”(The Emancipation Proclamation P.140) Without this battle, slavery maybe still continue to the present. “What might have happened without Antietam could well have been a different story.”(P.154) And the United States may be divided into two . The cost of this campaign is great. All battle casualties most. Or sacrifice many soldiers wounded in this battle. “Night fell on a scene of horror beyond imagining: 2,108 Union dead and estimates ranging from 1,546 to 2,700 Confederate dead on the battlefield; 9,549 Union wounded and estimates of 7,752 to 9,024 Confederate wounded. Of the wounded on both sides, at least two thousand would die of their wounded.”(P. 129) They use their lives in exchange for the freedom and happiness of the people today . Soldiers in the battle worthy of admiration . Although at the end of the battle , civil war still going on. But the battle determines the northern army 's victory. “GREAT WICTORY. Must take its place among the grand decisive conflicts of history… Its effects will be seen and felt in the destinies of the Nation for centuries to come”(The New York Times P.135 ) After the battle , Lincoln announced the " Emancipation Proclamation ." The liberation of black slaves , and gave them freedom. The concept of " everyone is equal, everyone has freedom