AP US History Exam Prep

Category - AP US History

Why did Abraham Lincoln fire General George McClellan?
  1. McClellen did not properly train Union troops.
  2. McClellen was too timid to fully engage the enemy.
  3. McClellen routinely marched through southern cities, destroying crops and homes.
  4. McClellen refused to cross the Mississippi to march into Vicksburg.
Explanation
Answer - B - Lincoln fired General George McClellan because McClellan was too timid to fully engage the enemy.

Key Takeaway: General George McClellan organized his troops excellently and was an intelligent, capable General. Unfortunately, however, he was completely reluctant to actually put his men into battle. At the battle of Antietam in September 1862, McClellan defeated General Lee, but did not follow through in his victory. President Lincoln was forced to fire McClellan while he simultaneously issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
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