General George B. McClellan

Definition

General George B. McClellan was a Union general during the Civil War known for his cautious military strategy and unsuccessful run against Abraham Lincoln in the election of 1864.

Analogy

Imagine McClellan as an overly cautious chess player. He has well-trained pieces (his army), but he hesitates too much before making moves, missing opportunities for victories on several occasions.

Related terms

Peninsular Campaign: An unsuccessful Union offensive led by McClellan during spring-summer 1862 aimed at capturing Richmond by moving up Virginia Peninsula.

Democratic Party (Civil War Era): The political party that nominated McClellan for president in 1864. It was divided between War Democrats who supported the war and Peace Democrats who wanted to negotiate with the Confederacy.

Antietam: A significant Civil War battle where McClellan's forces halted Lee's first invasion of the North. Despite having superior numbers, McClellan failed to destroy Lee's army.