McClellan and Failure: A Study of Civil War Fear, Incompetence and Worse

by Edward H. Bonekemper , III

Overview

In the eyes of many historians, Union general George B. McClellan single-handedly did more damage to the Union war effort than any other individual—including Confederate commander Robert E. Lee. Promoting his own ideas and career regardless of the consequences, McClellan eventually became a thorn in the side of President Lincoln. Removed from command on November 5, 1862, McClellan left a legacy of excessive caution that continued to affect the Army of the Potomac.

From West Point to Antietam, this volume examines McClellan's army career and especially how his decisions affected the course of the Civil War. Union actions are examined in detail with special emphasis on the roles McClellan played—or did not play. Excerpts from McClellan's orders and correspondence provide a contemporary picture and motives for his actions. An appendix examines the treatment given McClellan by various historians.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786445752
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	08/17/2010
Series:	History/Military/American Civil War
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	222
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late Edward H. Bonekemper, III, a lecturer in military history, lived in Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     
Preface     
Introduction: The General Who Failed     

1 Rising to Power and Prestige     
2 Winning Through Others in Western Virginia     
3 Maneuvering in Washington     
4 Evading Battle as General-in-Chief     
5 Crawling up the Virginia Peninsula     
6 Retreating at a Distance During the Seven Days’ Battle     
7 Undercutting Pope     
8 Squandering Opportunities at Antietam     
9 Earning Lincoln’s Rejection     
10 McClellan’s Motivations     

Appendix: Historians’ Treatment of George B. McClellan     
Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

impressive...intriguing”—Blue & Gray Magazine; “well written...I would suggest reading his work...well-presented”—Civil War News; “this book goes beyond the usual criticisms of McClellan and explores his operational ineptitude, his fear of failure, his cowardice on the battlefield, his missed opportunities for early Union success, and even his treacherous behavior that caused John Pope to lose the Battle of Second Manassas”—50plus Senior News; “a critical study of the career of one of the most controversial commanders in the Civil War. This telling of the tale is complete, warts and all...excellent...a must read...one of the best biographies to come on the scene in quite some time”—North Jersey Civil War Round Table; “building on his Lee and Grant books, Ed Bonekemper has produced a scintillating and incisive critique of the disastrous Civil War career of George B. McClellan. This book is a ‘must’ for Civil War buffs.—Edwin Baldrige, Professor Emeritus, Muhlenberg College.

From the Publisher

well written...I would suggest reading his work...well-presented

Civil War News

impressive...intriguing

Blue & Gray Magazine

This book goes beyond the usual criticisms of McClellan and explores his operational ineptitude, his fear of failure, his cowardice on the battlefield, his missed opportunities for early Union success, and even his treacherous behavior....

50plus Senior News