What army won the US Civil War battles in the Peninsula Campaign?

Answer 1

Although both the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia suffered heavy casualties, the Peninsula Campaign is considered to be a victory for the Confederacy. The reason for this idea was because McClellan had failed to achieve his primary objective and had to retreat. George McClellan, commanding general of the federal Army of the Potomac, invaded Virginia with the design of capturing Richmond and ending the war. The able manuevering by Robert E. Lee of the Army of Northern Virginia caused McClellan to withdraw, thus easing the pressure on the Confederacy's capital. McClellan's withdraw caused elation in the South and foreboding throughout the North. It cause of great concern to US President Lincoln and he asked General Halleck to assess McClellan's position as he rested his army before finally retreating back to Fort Monroe.

Additionally, Halleck came to the conclusion that McClellan had lost of whatever good military judgment he had. Halleck also lost any credibility he may have had regarding McClellan's ability to access the strength of the Confederate army.

The Peninsula campaign was nearly a success as at one point Union forces were only six miles from Richmond.