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Battle of Antietam, MD (called the battle of Sharpsburg by Southerners). Robert Lee decides to attack the north (until now, the South had always been defending the North's attacks). He was hoping to convince Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy as a legitimate nation, and also convince the Northerners to demand an end to the war. Jefferson Davis agreed that an attack on Union turf might be the key to victory. Unfortunately, Union soldiers discovered Lee's battle plans in cigars that had been dropped by a careless southern soldier. The plans tipped off McClellan, who knew where Lee was headed. McClellan was characteristically slow but eventually met up with Lee at Antietam. Bloodiest single day in American history. 25,000 deaths. Union victory and Britain and France refused to recognize the South. It also gave Lincoln the opportunity to make an important proclamation...

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