13 sept. 1862 - Battle of Antietam

Description:

Bloodiest 1-day battle in the war and in American history (over 6,000 men killed and another 16,000 wounded). Although McClellan did not break Lee’s line, he inflicted so many casualties that Lee was forced to retreat. A crucial victory for the Union. If Lee’s invasion had succeeded, the British government was planning to mediate and possibly acknowledge the Confederacy’s independence. This defeat convinced Lincoln that it was time to abolish slavery.