Edward Bonekemper on the Cowardice of General McClellan
On April 17, 2007, Civil War historian Edward Bonekemper, III, presented his book McClellan and Failure: A Study of Civil War Fear, Incompetence and Worse at a North Carolina History Project Luncheon. Bonekemper argues that McClellan was crippled from an early age by arrogance, chronic indecisiveness, and fear of failure and that Little Napoleon consistently kept his forces out of battle, even when they were in positions of tactical advantage. McClellan, Bonekemper contends, attacked only when his army had a massive numerical advantage or disadvantage. In cases of numerical advantage, McClellan claimed responsibility for victory; in cases of numerical disadvantage, he shirked responsibility for defeat.
The lecture can be viewed in its entirety here.See Also:
Related Categories: Political HistoryRelated Encyclopedia Entries: John W. Ellis (1820-1862), Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Secession, Salem Brass Band, Confederate States Navy (in North Carolina), United States Navy (Civil War activity), James Iredell Waddell (1824-1886), CSS Neuse, USS Underwriter, Warren Winslow (1810-1862)
Related Commentary: Toward an Inclusive History of the Civil War: Society and the Home Front
Related Lesson Plans: Discussion of the Lunsford Lane Narrative
Timeline: 1836-1865