The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, took place on July 21,
1861, near Manassas, Virginia, during the early stages of the American Civil War. It marked the
first major land battle of the conflict and shattered the widespread belief that the war would be
short-lived and relatively bloodless. Both Union and Confederate forces were inexperienced and
poorly organized, leading to a chaotic and unpredictable engagement. The battle ended in a
Confederate victory, primarily due to the arrival of reinforcements led by General Thomas
"Stonewall" Jackson, who earned his famous nickname during the battle for his steadfast
defense.
The battle revealed the harsh realities of war to both the North and the South. The Union army,
under the command of General Irvin McDowell, suffered significant casualties and was forced to
retreat to Washington, D.C. The defeat shocked the Union and prompted a sobering
reassessment of their military strategy and preparedness. Conversely, the Confederate victory
boosted Southern morale and emboldened their cause, reinforcing their belief in the viability of
secession and the defense of states' rights. Additionally, the Battle of Bull Run dispelled any
illusions of a swift resolution to the conflict and foreshadowed the long and brutal nature of the
Civil War. It served as a wake-up call for both sides, signaling that the struggle ahead would be
protracted and costly, with far-reaching consequences for the nation.