The Union plan was to advance in three columns, with the main column under McDowell attacking the Confederate left flank. However, the Union columns became separated and the Confederates were able to concentrate their forces against each of them in turn. The Union attacks were eventually repulsed and the Confederate army counterattacked, driving the Union forces back to Washington, D.C.
The First Battle of Bull Run was a significant Confederate victory and it had a major impact on the course of the American Civil War. It showed that the Confederacy was capable of defeating the Union army in battle and it gave the South a much-needed boost of morale. The battle also led to the resignation of Winfield Scott, the commanding general of the Union army, and the appointment of George B. McClellan in his place.