This Osprey title details General George B. McClellan's controversial Peninsula campaign and the southern attempt to halt the Union juggernaut during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Following its humiliating defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, McClellan took command of the Union Army of the Potomac. In the spring of 1862, having rebuilt his forces, the "Little Napoleon" devised a plan to end the war in a single campaign. Transporting his army by sea to the Virginia Peninsula, he would outflank Confederate forces and march unopposed on Richmond, the Southern capital. Excessive caution squandered the opportunity, however, and on 31 May the Confederates struck at McClellan's divided forces at Fair Oaks.