First Battle of Bull RunThe battle of Bull Run is considered the opening battle to the Civil War. It started on July 21,1861. The Union army was in the city of Prince William County of Virginia, since the commander of the Union, Brigadier General Irvin McDowell had orders to take Richmond, the Confederate capital. On the way there, the Union army clashed with General P.G.T. Beauregard and his troops. The battle was fought along a little river called Bull Run hence the name of the battle. Union captain McDowell was not convinced that his 35,000 volunteers men were ready to fight. Shots were fired and lives were lost, the battle was moving itself toward Henry House Hill. In the afternoon both sides traded attacks and counterattacks. Spectators from Washington D.C. were watching the events of the battle form an above hill, all believing in the success of the Union. Unfortunately, while Union troops were becoming tired, the Confederate army was receiving more and more soldiers to his aid. As Confederate troops arrived, the Federalist had more and more difficulties coordinating the attacks. In the end, the Confederate army managed to enter the Union line and forced them into retreating. 200 words |