Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, August 13, 2026
Following the Battle of Antietam, President Lincoln removed General George B. McClellan from command due to his cautious pursuit of the retreating Confederate army. Additionally, photographs by Alexander Gardner brought a shocking, unidealized depiction of warfare's reality to the American public for the first time.
“President Lincoln was deeply frustrated that McClellan did not aggressively pursue the retreating Confederates.”
“On November 5th, 1862, Lincoln removed McClellan from command of the Army of the Potomac.”
“Gardner's photographs were subsequently exhibited at Brady's gallery in New York City.”
“For Americans accustomed to newspaper illustrations and idealized depictions of warfare, the images were shocking.”