Following the disastrous Second Battle of Bull Run, where Union forces suffered a severe defeat against Confederate troops led by General Robert E. Lee, President Abraham Lincoln made the decision to restore General George B. McClellan to full command of the Army of the Potomac. McClellan had previously been removed from command due to his cautious strategies and reluctance to engage Lee’s forces aggressively. The chaos and loss of morale in the Union Army after Pope's failure put immense pressure on Lincoln as he faced scrutiny from both military and political leaders who were clamoring for decisive action against the Confederate forces. McClellan's reinstatement symbolized a desperate attempt to rally the Union forces, instilling a sense of familiarity and hope amidst chaos.Lincoln's choice was complex; while he had reservations about McClellan's aggressive capabilities, he recognized McClellan's extensive training and organizational skills. After the defeat, the morale of the Union troops had plummeted, and there were growing concerns about the security of Washington, D.C. With the Confederate army advancing, Lincoln had little choice but to turn back to a general he had once hoped to replace entirely. This marked a pivotal moment in the Civil War, as McClellan’s leadership style would further shape the Union's military strategy going forward.