Great Commanders and Battles of the Civil War Season 1 Episode 7 Lincoln and Lee at Antietam

In episode 7 of season 1 of Great Commanders and Battles of the Civil War, the spotlight is on the two towering figures of the conflict, President Abraham Lincoln and Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and their fateful encounter at the battle of Antietam.

The episode begins with an overview of the strategic situation of the war in the fall of 1862. The Confederate States are riding a wave of recent victories, having defeated Union forces at Second Bull Run and taken the strategic border town of Harper's Ferry. However, Lee's army is now divided and weak, with the bulk of his troops spread out across Maryland and Pennsylvania, and Union General George McClellan is poised to strike.

Cutting to the perspectives of Lincoln and Lee, the episode features a deep dive into the personalities and leadership styles of the two men. Lincoln, the shrewd politician and eloquent orator, is depicted as a master strategist who is keenly aware of the stakes of the war. Meanwhile, Lee is portrayed as an inspiring but flawed leader who is overextended and struggling to maintain unity and morale in his army.

As the two armies converge on the small Maryland town of Sharpsburg, the episode toggles between dramatic reenactments of the fighting and expert analysis from military historians. Viewers experience the brutal and chaotic reality of the battle, which became the bloodiest single day in American history with over 23,000 casualties. Despite their outnumbered position, the Confederates manage to hold their ground, with Lee personally leading his troops on the front line.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the aftermath of the battle, which Lincoln famously declared a Union victory despite the massive casualties. Although Antietam did not decisively tip the scales of the war, it had enormous symbolic significance as the first major Union victory and helped Lincoln issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Meanwhile, Lee's reputation as an invincible commander was shaken, and his losses at Antietam would be the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.

Overall, episode 7 of Great Commanders and Battles of the Civil War provides a gripping and informative overview of the personalities, strategies, and stakes of one of the most consequential battles of the conflict. Through interviews with experts, engrossing reenactments, and stunning historical footage, viewers will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the war and the leaders who shaped it.