What was the significance of the Battle of Fredericksburg?

The Battle of Fredericksburg was the largest battle of the American Civil War. The fight consisted of approximately 200,000 soldiers, with the edge in numbers going to the Union. The battle was considered a loss for the Union, which was forced to retreat after sustaining heavy casualties.

It is estimated that over 12,600 Union soldiers died during the Battle of Fredericksburg, while just over 5,000 Confederate soldiers died. The majority of the battle consisted of Union forces attempting to penetrate fortified Confederacy positions, and failing. It also consisted of the first American river crossing under fire, when supplies requested by Major Burnside of the Union arrived late.