The Confederate goal at the Battle of Antietam was primarily to invade the North.

General Robert E. Lee aimed to carry the fight into Union territory, believing that a decisive victory on Northern soil would shift public opinion in favor of the Confederacy and potentially lead to recognition and support from European powers like Britain and France. By demonstrating strength and success in the North, Lee hoped to encourage Northern states to seek peace and possibly sway the political landscape in favor of Confederate interests. This ambitious strategy was pivotal in the context of the Civil War, reflecting the broader objectives of the Confederacy.