George B. McClellan
1826–1885 · American (Union) · American Civil War
Known for: 'The Young Napoleon'—organized the Union Army but was too cautious to use it, prolonging the war by years
George B. McClellan was the most frustrating figure of the Civil War—a brilliant organizer who created the Army of the Potomac but was paralyzed by caution and perfectionism when it came time to fight. He was called 'the Young Napoleon' for his early promise, but unlike Napoleon, he never actually attacked when he had the advantage.
He overestimated Confederate strength at every turn, wasted Union advantages at Antietam and the Peninsula Campaign, and was contemptuous of Lincoln ('the original gorilla,' he called the president). Lincoln finally fired him, saying McClellan had 'the slows.' He ran against Lincoln for president in 1864 and lost.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.