After the Battle of Antietam, the Confederate army experienced a significantly decreased morale.

Although they had fought valiantly, the battle resulted in heavy casualties and failed to achieve their strategic objectives, including a successful invasion of the North. The loss at Antietam was demoralizing, as it marked the end of Lee's campaign into Union territory. Many soldiers faced disillusionment due to the high death toll and the harsh realities of war. This decline in morale was compounded by the realization that hopes for quick victories were fading, leading to increased hardships for Confederate troops in subsequent campaigns.