the maryland campaign (september 4, 1862–september 20, 1862), also called the antietam campaign, was a series of four battles in west virginia and maryland initiated by confederate general robert e. lee. it was considered as one of the major turning points in the civil war for the union. the goal was for lee's army to invade the northern states of maryland and pennsylvania. that way he could threaten the cities of washington, d.c. and baltimore. by a series of decisive victories lee thought that the south could gain recognition from england and france and get them to support the southern cause. the hope was if lee was victorious, it might cause abraham lincoln to sue for peace.