The First Battle of Manassas

Name: The First Battle of Manassas
Rating: 4.1 (95 reviews)

by Captivating History Book 9 in the Battles of the Civil War series.

Amazon

3.9(95)

The First Battle of Manassas, called First Bull Run by Union forces, was fought on 21 July 1861 near Washington, D.C., and became the first major land battle of the American Civil War. Union forces under Irvin McDowell advanced into Virginia expecting to defeat the Confederate army quickly, while Confederate commanders Joseph E. Johnston and P. G. T. Beauregard concentrated their forces around the Bull Run crossings.

The battle exposed the inexperience of both armies. Confused movements, piecemeal attacks and uncertain command gave way to heavy fighting around Henry House Hill, where Thomas J. Jackson earned the nickname “Stonewall.” Confederate reinforcements eventually turned the Union retreat into a disorderly withdrawal towards Washington. The defeat ended northern expectations of a short war, while the Confederate victory encouraged confidence that would prove difficult to sustain. The engagement demonstrated that the conflict would require larger armies, better organisation and far greater sacrifice than either side had initially expected.