George B. McClellan
"The Union, which can alone insure internal peace, and external security to each State, Must and Shall be Preserved, cost what it may in time, treasure, and blood".
Fast Facts:
-Superb organizational skills -Beloved by his men -Demonstrate good modivational prowess -Personalized interactions, causing a dangerous imbalance that affected the chain of command -Better at organizing than actually fighting -Made excuses to avoid engaging in combat with the enemy |
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Overall Success
Although, as Thomas Rowland said, it is important to be able to organize troops amidst the chaos of war, there is such a thing as going too far. McClellan was a splendid modivator and an even better planner, but he could not follow through with his command. Forging close ties with his men, he gained the unfailing loyalty of his soldiers, but went to many lengths to protect them. This caused him to back out of several major battles as he feared that the enemy had superior numbers. In reality, his forces could have stood as a large opposition to the Confederates. His refusal to follow orders led him to an unfavored position. Instead of using his talents to help the Union move forward, he hindered its progress. McClellan, while a charismatic man, was not one of the most successful Union generals.