July 21, 1861 began the first major battle of the Civil War near a small river called Bull Run in Northern Virginia. Approximately 30,000 Union troops attacked a smaller Confederate force. The Union was led by General Irvin McDowell and the Confederacy was commanded by General P.G.T. Beauregard. The Union drove the Confederates back at first, then the Confederates fiercely fought back and forced the Union to retreat. The Battle of Bull Run showed the Union and the Confederacy that the war would be both bloody and long.
As a result of the Union defeat at Bull Run, President Lincoln realized that this war was going to be a lot bigger of a struggle for the Union to be victorious. Lincoln signed two Bills calling for one million soldiers to serve for a three year term. Lincoln also appointed George McClellan to head the Union Army. |
Residents of Washington, D.C. came out to watch the battle and picnic which caused a big stampede as the Union troops retreated.
The Confederate savage attack leads the Union to retreat.
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The Battle of Bull Run took place in Northern Virginia near a river called Bull Run.
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