A common sentiment among Union soldiers after the Battle of Antietam was frustration with leadership.

Many soldiers believed that their superiors, especially General McClellan, had missed the chance to destroy Lee's men during their withdrawal, even if they had won the battle strategically. This dissatisfaction resulted from the significant losses—roughly 12,400 Union soldiers—and the conviction that a more vigorous pursuit may have altered the destiny of the conflict. As soldiers considered the ongoing combat, their morale was affected by their displeasure with the leadership.