ID: Battle of Bull Run
When: July 21, 1861
Who:
- Union: General Irvin McDowell, Brigadier General Daniel Tyler, Colonel Nathaniel Lyon
- Confederacy: General P.G.T. Beauregard, General Joseph E. Johnston, General Thomas J. Jackson
What:
The Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, was the first major battle of the American Civil War. It took place near Manassas Junction, Virginia. The battle was a Confederate victory, shattering the Union’s initial hopes for a swift and decisive victory.
Impact: Why Significant?
- Shattered Union Confidence: The Union’s defeat at Bull Run, which was expected to be a quick victory, shocked the North and demonstrated the strength of the Confederate Army. It led to widespread disillusionment with the war effort and a realization that the conflict would be long and bloody.
- Increased Confederate Morale: The victory at Bull Run boosted Confederate morale and solidified support for the Confederacy. It also inspired the South to believe in the possibility of winning the war.
- Prolonged the War: The battle’s outcome undermined the Union’s initial strategy and lengthened the conflict, which ultimately had devastating consequences for both sides.
- Led to the Recruitment of More Troops: The defeat at Bull Run spurred the Union to raise more troops and prepare for a longer war. It also prompted the Confederacy to expand its military force and strengthen its defenses.