With a victory at Antietam, General Lee hoped to achieve support from foreign nations.

A successful invasion of the North would demonstrate the strength of the Confederate Army, potentially swaying European powers like Britain and France to recognize the Confederacy and provide much-needed diplomatic and military support. Lee believed that a decisive win on Northern soil would bolster Southern morale and encourage peace negotiations favorable to the Confederacy. Ultimately, this strategic aim underscored the broader goal of securing independence and legitimizing the Confederate cause on the world stage.