Army of the Potomac

The Army of the Potomac was the primary Union force during the American Civil War, established in 1861 to defend Washington, D.C., and fight Confederate armies in the Eastern Theater. It played a crucial role in significant battles, including Antietam and Gettysburg. Commanded by several generals, including George B. McClellan and Ulysses S. Grant, it faced challenges like leadership changes and troop morale. Ultimately, it helped secure the Union victory and was central to the Northern strategy in defeating the Confederacy, contributing significantly to the preservation of the United States.