First Battle of Bull Run-Manassas
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Name: edHelper First Battle of Bull Run-Manassas The thought that the American Civil War would last four long years never entered the minds of most of the people. It was assumed by people on both sides that each side would win quickly. It is interesting to note that many of the battles during the war had two names. The North would name them after the nearest body of water-- in this case, a stream called Bull Run. (Run is an early English word that means a stream or creek.) The South named them after the nearest town, such as Manassas. The new capital for the Confederacy (Richmond, Virginia) was only 100 miles away from the Union capital (Washington, D.C.). When this great battle came, it was certain to take place between the two cities because of their proximity. In preparation for an assault, the Union soldiers began fortifying areas around the capital and the nearby towns of Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia. Confederate forces made no immediate effort to attack Washington as the Union expected them to do. Instead, General Beauregard gathered his army at Manassas Junction where there was a railway. Union forces were commanded by General Winfield Scott, but he was too old and infirm to lead the men on the field. That job fell to General Irwin McDowell. While many men had flocked to the Union banner, few had any training as soldiers. He wanted time to train the men for battle, but Congress wanted him to confront the Confederates. The two forces met near the creek called Bull Run on July 21, 1861. McDowell was certain that even his inexperienced soldiers could overwhelm the Confederates just through sheer force of numbers. The Union outnumbered them by almost 2:1. He sent part of his army to Harper's Ferry to keep the Confederate troops there from joining the main force at Manassas. In an attempt to flank-- or get around-- the Confederate troops McDowell sent an advance force of men toward Manassas Junction. They accidentally ran into the some of General Beauregard's Confederates and had a small skirmish at Centerville. McDowell knew his plan had failed. Instead of pushing on, he waited two days while he tried to come up with a new plan. While he waited, the Confederates at Harper's Ferry broke away from the Union forces and rushed to Manassas. They reached the battlefield in time to reinforce the line with General Beauregard. Together they formed a six mile line along the banks of Bull Run. Name: edHelper Union troops advanced and broke through the line in many places, but they did not pursue the Confederate soldiers when they fell back. They retreated to where General Thomas Jackson waited with his men at Henry House Hill. It is there he was given the nickname "Stonewall." Many of the retreating men rallied there. McDowell assumed his army was superior on the basis of greater numbers. When the forces clashed, the Confederate lines held--to the surprise of the Union leaders. Soon the Union line began to fall apart. When the Southern forces saw that, they began to push harder. It was here that the Northern soldiers first heard the frightening sound they called the "rebel yell." Soon the Union line fell apart completely and began to run. The North's crushing defeat was a total rout. The Confederate soldiers chased them as far as Centerville before stopping. They were an inexperienced army and missed the opportunity to deliver a massive blow to not only the Union army, but the civilian supporters. Amazingly, many civilians had traveled out to watch the battle while eating picnic lunches! Even many congressmen had gone out and were caught in the rapid retreat of their own forces. McDowell took responsibility for the defeat and his demoralized army. He was replaced after that with General George McClellan. Union forces had almost twice the casualties as the Confederates. The Southern forces gained a large number of weapons and other material, left behind by the retreating soldiers. First Battle of Bull Run-Manassas Questions 1. Most American people thought the Civil War conflict would be decided quickly. A. False B. True 2. Why would most people assume that the first battle would happen between the two capitals? A. It would be more convenient for people to watch. B. It seemed like the best plan. C. That area had the most soldiers. D. They were close together. 3. A "run" was another name for a: A. farm B. house C. pasture D. stream 4. Why would a railway be important to either side in the war? Name: edHelper 5. What does the word "rout" mean as it was used in the story? A. Make a loud noise B. Complete defeat C. A disorderly group D. To dig for food 6. Thomas Jackson earned the nickname: A. stonewall B. rock wall C. brick wall D. ironsides 7. The "rebel yell" was a: A. yell of welcome B. war chant C. battle cry D. marching cadence 8. The South named battles after: A. rivers or streams B. nearby towns or farms C. generals D. men killed in the battle edHelper Name: How many of these can you write about? Think! Write! Check all the ones you answered. Why would many people on both sides of the conflict assume that everything could be settled quickly? General McDowell lost his command over the loss of this battle. Is such an action fair? Explain your answer. Don't stop writing. Use a blank piece of paper to continue..