The defeat at Fredericksburg and the failed “Mud March” spark recriminations among the Federal army command, leading to wholesale changes.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
The defeat at Fredericksburg and the failed “Mud March” spark recriminations among the Federal army command, leading to wholesale changes.
Ambrose E. Burnside issues orders to put his Federal Army of the Potomac in motion against Fredericksburg, despite criticism from subordinates that his plan might not succeed.
Ambrose Burnside proposes to move his Federal Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock River, while Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia continues strengthening its defenses west of Fredericksburg.
Federals threaten to bombard Fredericksburg, Virginia, while men of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia hurry to strengthen the town’s defenses.
Robert E. Lee’s Confederates attack the Federal army once more, this time hoping to chase down the withdrawing enemy and destroying them before they reach the safety of the James River.
Confederates attack the Federals on the south side of the Chickahominy River on Virginia’s Peninsula, but poor coordination prevents them from accomplishing their main goal of destroying the enemy.