Outcome: Confederate victory
Date: July 21, 1861
Location: Manassas, Virginia
Background:
* The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major land battle of the American Civil War.
* It was fought between Union (Northern) and Confederate (Southern) forces in Virginia.
* The Union army, led by General Irvin McDowell, aimed to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.
* The Confederate army, led by General P.G.T. Beauregard and General Joseph E. Johnston, sought to defend their capital and prevent the Union from advancing further into Virginia.
Battle:
* The battle began early in the morning when Union troops crossed Bull Run Creek and attacked the Confederate positions.
* The Union forces initially made some progress, but the Confederate army launched a series of counterattacks.
* The Confederate cavalry, led by General J.E.B. Stuart, played a crucial role in turning the tide of the battle.
* By late afternoon, the Confederate forces had defeated the Union army, forcing them to retreat back across Bull Run Creek.
Aftermath:
* The Confederate victory at the Battle of Bull Run was a major boost to the morale of the Southern troops and their supporters.
* It also helped to solidify the Confederacy as a separate nation and strengthened its resolve to fight for independence.
* The Union defeat was a setback, but it also led to a reorganization of the Union army and a determination to win the war.