The Army of the Potomac, throughout its four years of existence, faced the repercussions of its generals' mistakes in numerous harsh battles. This pattern became so frequent that it was almost expected, reflecting the misfortunes that plagued this unfortunate army. The continual blunders that occurred cast a shadow over its operational effectiveness, making it challenging to categorize these errors according to their severity.

These missteps were not just incidental; they defined the Army's experience and the challenges it faced. The weight of these leadership failures contributed significantly to the reputation of the Army of the Potomac, illustrating how the consequences of poor decisions reverberated through its campaigns, ultimately affecting the course of the war.