The Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg, MD)

After a series of well fought battle won by the south, Confederate General Robert E. Lee had a surge of confidence. With foreign powers close to recognizing the Confederacy as its own country, Lee believed that one more big victory in the north would finally make the foreign powers recognize them, and end the war quickly. So, he began his march through the north. When they reached Maryland, Lee made a plan for battle. While they were marching, a soldier dropped a copy of the battle plan . The Union army came across this plan and decided to intercept the Confederates in Sharpsburg. As the battle began, it appeared to be going well for the Confederates. All of a sudden, the Union army surged and started to force a Confederate retreat. Finally, the Confederate soldiers were forced to retreat back to Richmond. This battle proved to be the bloodiest single day of fighting throughout the entire war, with 12,000 Union casualties and 10,000 Confederate casualties. Another big event to come from Antietam was the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the battle was technically a draw, Lincoln was satisfied with the results and planned to make the Emancipation Proclamation, after firing General George McClellan for the second time for failing to pursue the weakened Confederate army.