What was the result of the Battle of Antietam?

The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, is recognized as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with approximately 22,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. This staggering number of casualties illustrates the intense and brutal nature of the conflict, as both Union and Confederate forces engaged in fierce combat throughout the day.

Beyond its immediate human toll, the significance of Antietam also lies in its broader impact on the Civil War. The Union's strategic decision to claim the battlefield as a tactical victory helped to provide President Abraham Lincoln with the political momentum he needed to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, shifting the war’s goals toward not just reunification, but also the abolition of slavery. However, despite the high casualties and the strategic implications, the battle did not result in a conclusive victory over the Confederacy and did not bring an end to the Civil War, nor did it lead to the capture of significant Confederate leadership figures, which distinguishes it further from the other options presented.