Which battle is known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, resulting in almost 23,000 casualties?

The battle known as the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, resulting in almost 23,000 casualties, is Antietam. Fought on September 17, 1862, it was a pivotal battle in the American Civil War that marked the first major engagement of Union and Confederate forces on Northern soil. This battle is significant not only for its staggering casualty figures but also for its strategic implications.

The Union's tactical victory at Antietam provided President Abraham Lincoln with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which shifted the focus of the war towards ending slavery in addition to preserving the Union. The horrific number of casualties reflected the brutal nature of the conflict and underscored the war's capacity for destruction.

In contrast, Gettysburg, while a turning point and one of the most famous battles of the Civil War, occurred over three days and had a higher total number of casualties but was not confined to a single day. Similarly, Shiloh and Chancellorsville are noted for their significance and high casualty rates, but none reached the single-day level of loss that Antietam did. Thus, the recognition of Antietam as the bloodiest single-day battle is both a reflection of its historical impact