Book Review

It has been nearly 140 years since George B. McClellan debarked his gigantic army on the Virginia peninsula in an attempt to capture the Confederate capitol at Richmond. A simple strategic plan conceived by the Union commander to end the war, the peninsula campaign, as it has been popularly dubbed, became a monumental offensive that resulted in more than 50,000 casualties from April to July 1862. In a series of battles from June 25 to July 1 alone (collectively known as the Seven Days), some 35,000 casualties occurred.

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In that time, countless volumes detailing the campaign's history have seen the light of day in one form or another. Yet, in nine essays here, we find there is much to learn. Gary W. Gallagher's latest installment on the war in the East focuses on the Richmond campaign and examines questions regarding Union and Confederate high command, military strategy, and, most important, the complex interplay of political and social issues such as emancipation with military operations. He explains how and why the campaign could be regarded as a turning point in the war, particularly in light of the Union's dominance in the West during the same period. Gallagher emphasizes the fact that the Union had enjoyed tremendous success in the West from February to July and with it overwhelming confidence about the cause. The Richmond campaign reversed Confederate misfortunes and inspired an offensive vigor to take the war north, while Union political leaders were forced to reconsider their military and political conduct of the war.

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