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.
As officers in the Federal Army of the Potomac voice opposition to their commander and the soldiers threaten mutiny, General Ambrose Burnside gives President Abraham Lincoln an ultimatum.
Driving rain in northern Virginia immobilizes the Federal Army of the Potomac and wreaks havoc on Ambrose E. Burnside’s plan to launch another offensive against the Confederates at Fredericksburg.
Ambrose E. Burnside prepares to launch another offensive intended to restore his reputation and revitalize the demoralized Army of the Potomac.
President Abraham Lincoln seeks to clarify responsibility for the defeat at Fredericksburg and console the Army of the Potomac, while several generals begin to conspire against their commander.
As the Federal Army of the Potomac continues inching toward Richmond, Abraham Lincoln conditionally approves George B. McClellan’s request for reinforcements.