General McClellan and the Civil War

Paper Summary:

The paper compares and contrasts Thomas Rowland's "George B. McClellan and Civil War history: In the shadow of Grant and Sherman" with James M. McPherson's "Ordeal by Fire: The Civil War and Reconstruction" that both center on General George B. McClellan's effect on the war and its outcome. The paper examines the authors' theses, arguments and evidence and illustrates how both texts provide fascinating glimpses into the personality and foibles of General McClellan. The paper shows how McClellan was a brilliant organizer who let power and admiration go to his head, leading to some of the worst military decisions during the Civil War.

From the Paper:

"Author McPherson's book takes a general look at the Civil War and hones in on McClellan during his discussion of the major battles and victories of the war. His thesis maintains that McClellan was egotistical and afraid to make decisions. He also states that McClellan did not support abolitionism, and was becoming increasingly uncomfortable leading troops that eventually would emancipate the Southern slaves. He writes that McClellan said, "'I am fighting to preserve the integrity of the Union . . . To gain that end we cannot afford to mix up the negro question'" (McPherson, 2001, p. 236). He believes that McClellan let early success go to his head, and that he made increasingly unwise decisions based on his own ego and personal beliefs. For example, according to McPherson, the general once ignored President Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward waiting in his parlor and refused to see them, which is a breach of protocol and judgment in anyone's eyes (McPherson 235). He did not always use the best judgment about his military decisions, and ultimately it cost him the command of the Army of the Potomac."

Sample of Sources Used:

• McPherson, J.M. (2001). Ordeal by fire: The Civil War and reconstruction. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Rowland, T. J. (1998). George B. McClellan and Civil War history: In the shadow of Grant and Sherman. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press.

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