First Battle of Bull Run
Although many argue the the Battle of Fort Sumter marked the start of the war, the First Battle of Bull Run confirmed the beginning of the Civil War. Around the year of 1861, President Abraham Lincoln pushed Union leader, Irvin McDowell, to lead his army to Northern Virginia. Confederate troops were positioned at Bull run, just miles from Manassas Junction. Because if the position to a very recognisable landmark, this battle was also called the First Battle of Manassas. Lincoln's goal was to defeate the Confederate army, invade their capitol, and end the war.
On the morning of July 21st, both sides planned to invade their opponents. Poor communication between Confederate troops resulted in delayed marches and exposed position. General Beauregard of the Confederate troops was startled when Union troops began by firing at his Confederate troops from across Bull Run. Trying to handle the situation, General Beauregard split his troops into two groups. The first group would hold off the Union troops from across Bull Run. The second group was sent to attack the rest of the Union forces from the back of their staring line.
Fighting raged throughout the day causing destruction on both sides. In an attempt to hold of Union forces, Colonel Thomas Jackson held his ground to defend important land at Henry House Hill. As a result, Thomas Jackson had earned the name "Stonewall Jackson". Later that day, Confederate reinforcements arrived by train to attack the Union's right flank. As hoped, Union forces began to retreat across narrow passages and old bridges back to Washington. Chaos from those who had come to watch the "show" and fleeing union troops resultd in a disorganized Confederate Army.
Although the Confederate Army had gained a victory, their army had taken a hard and not the last hit. It was that day that both sides of the country realized that the Civil War would not end so easily. Both sides would endured disastrous amounts loses. In conclusion, the First Battle of Bull opened many people's eyes regarding the Civil war.
On the morning of July 21st, both sides planned to invade their opponents. Poor communication between Confederate troops resulted in delayed marches and exposed position. General Beauregard of the Confederate troops was startled when Union troops began by firing at his Confederate troops from across Bull Run. Trying to handle the situation, General Beauregard split his troops into two groups. The first group would hold off the Union troops from across Bull Run. The second group was sent to attack the rest of the Union forces from the back of their staring line.
Fighting raged throughout the day causing destruction on both sides. In an attempt to hold of Union forces, Colonel Thomas Jackson held his ground to defend important land at Henry House Hill. As a result, Thomas Jackson had earned the name "Stonewall Jackson". Later that day, Confederate reinforcements arrived by train to attack the Union's right flank. As hoped, Union forces began to retreat across narrow passages and old bridges back to Washington. Chaos from those who had come to watch the "show" and fleeing union troops resultd in a disorganized Confederate Army.
Although the Confederate Army had gained a victory, their army had taken a hard and not the last hit. It was that day that both sides of the country realized that the Civil War would not end so easily. Both sides would endured disastrous amounts loses. In conclusion, the First Battle of Bull opened many people's eyes regarding the Civil war.