WI: McClellan takes Richmond, 1862

IOTL, George McClellan failed to take Richmond in 1862 Let's say that, ITTL, McClellan manages to win at the Battle of Gaines's Mill, after Lee gets thrown from his horse, and dies as three of his vertebrae shatter instantly upon impact, leaving his forces in chaos. Shortly after, the Union Army takes Richmond. Jefferson Davis is captured, and the capital of the Confederate Government falls back under Union control. What now? This is almost certainly not going to end the war immediately, but, with their capital and leadership taken out, along with their best general, The CSA are a dead letter, no mistake. How does the POst-War South go, sinc eye haven't been as badly damaged? What about the abolition of Slavery, or lack thereof? Your thoughts?
 
Well, McClellan actually lived up to his alleged reputation as the Napoleon of the West*, which almost certainly would translate into a successful run for the presidency in 1864 or 68.

*I mean, with a few decades of hindsight it would be blinding obvious that he wasn't, but at the time... just saying.
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
For one thing, there is obviously no cult of Lee. He would go down in history as a foolish and reckless general.
 

Grimbald

Monthly Donor
Lincoln is a war winning President and will be reelected in 1864.

He does not have the votes to end slavery.

If he picks up a lot of seats in November he probably can get phased emancipation but nothing immediate except possibly in the deep south.

The legislation will probably provide for compensation for slaves held by loyal families or everyone in states that remained loyal.

Slavery ends by 1876.
 
Lincoln is a war winning President and will be reelected in 1864.

He does not have the votes to end slavery.

If he picks up a lot of seats in November he probably can get phased emancipation but nothing immediate except possibly in the deep south.

The legislation will probably provide for compensation for slaves held by loyal families or everyone in states that remained loyal.

Slavery ends by 1876.
Are we sure on that? Remember, the South will probably be unable to vote for at least a couple years.
 
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