Question

question 9 of 10
the union failed to achieve its goals in the peninsula campaign in part because:
a. union leaders rushed into attacks against larger confederate forces.
b. many union soldiers decided to desert the army and return home.
c. confederate forces were able to delay union armies for long periods.
d. the confederate navy destroyed all union ships near virginias coast.

Explanation:

During the Peninsula Campaign, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and later Robert E. Lee used tactics to delay the Union advance. For example, they used the terrain (such as swamps and forests) to slow down Union troops. This delay gave the Confederacy time to reinforce and plan defenses. Union General George McClellan was overly cautious and the delays allowed the Confederacy to better prepare, contributing to the Union not achieving its goals (like capturing Richmond easily).

• Option A is incorrect as McClellan was often hesitant, not rushing attacks.
• Option B: There was no large - scale desertion that was a main cause of failure in this campaign.
• Option D: The Union navy still had a significant presence and the Confederate navy was not strong enough to destroy all Union ships near Virginia's coast.

Answer:

C. Confederate forces were able to delay Union armies for long periods.