6 Questions
What was the main goal of President Abraham Lincoln when he wanted the Union Army to strike the Confederate forces quickly?
To lead to a fast victory and end the war soon
What gave Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston time to bring reinforcements to the battle?
The slow movement of the Union army
What was the outcome of the Union's initial push across Bull Run?
It seemed like the Union was winning
What was the result of the Confederate counterattack in the afternoon?
The Union line was broken, causing chaos
What was the reaction of the North to the outcome of the battle?
They were shocked by the Union's defeat
What was the ultimate result of the Battle of Bull Run?
The war would be long and difficult
Study Notes
The First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)
- Took place on July 21, 1861, near Manassas Junction, Virginia
- First major land battle of the American Civil War
- Union and Confederate armies clashed, marking a significant turning point in the war
Union Army's Plan
- Led by General Irvin McDowell
- Planned to attack 20,000 Confederate troops near Manassas Junction
- Began moving on July 16, but progressed slowly
- Gave Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston time to bring reinforcements
The Battle
- Union forces initially pushed the Confederates back across Bull Run
- Confederate reinforcements arrived, turning the tide of the battle
- In the afternoon, Confederates launched a fierce counterattack, breaking the Union line
- Union troops retreated, causing chaos and shock in the North
Aftermath
- Both sides suffered casualties, indicating a long and difficult war
- Confederates won but couldn't capitalize on their victory
- Union troops retreated to Washington, D.C.
- General McDowell was replaced by George B. McClellan, who retrained and organized Union troops for future battles
- Disagreement among Confederate leaders about what to do next
The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the Battle of Manassas, was a significant clash during the American Civil War. It marked the first major land battle of the war, fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas Junction, Virginia.
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