" A mass of torn and mutilated corpses," a Union officer later wrote. " Then fresh troops rushed madly forward to replace the dead, and so the murderous work went on."
The first major clash of Union and Confederate armies took place in July 1861.
President Lincoln had general Irvin McDowell lead about 35,000 troops from Washington toward Richmond. The soldiers did not have experience. McDowell complained that they " Stopped every moment to pick black berries or get water; they would not keep in the ranks"
The two armies met 30 miles or so outside of Washington near Manassas Junction, Virginia. Fresh southern troops soon the northerners retreated to Washington.
In the FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN the confederacy broke the unions hopes of winning the war quickly and easily.
~The confederates won the FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN because they had more fresh troops.
President Lincoln had general Irvin McDowell lead about 35,000 troops from Washington toward Richmond. The soldiers did not have experience. McDowell complained that they " Stopped every moment to pick black berries or get water; they would not keep in the ranks"
The two armies met 30 miles or so outside of Washington near Manassas Junction, Virginia. Fresh southern troops soon the northerners retreated to Washington.
In the FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN the confederacy broke the unions hopes of winning the war quickly and easily.
~The confederates won the FIRST BATTLE OF BULL RUN because they had more fresh troops.
Whereas southerners had a clear, emotional picture of what they fought for, northerners fought to reestablish the union. Many Northerners did not consider the elimination of slavery important. The north would need to invade the south to bring it back into the union. It could lose the war if its people lost the desire to wage war.
The most experienced american general was WINFEILD SCOTT. Lincoln put Scott in charge of the union armies. Scott devised a three step plan, or strategy, to defeat the south. Scott planned to 1.) Blockade confederate ports to ruin the Souths economy and cut off supplies from Europe. 2.) Take control of the Mississippi river to split the south and prevent the confederacy from using the river to supply troops, 3.) Capture the capital at Richmond to seize the Confederate Government.
" It is easy to see that, under the sharp discipline of civil war, the nation is beginning a new life. "
December 8, 1863. President Lincoln.
December 8, 1863. President Lincoln.
Hannah.
Published: February 19, 2013
Last edited: February 28, 2013
Willow Creek Middle School.
Published: February 19, 2013
Last edited: February 28, 2013
Willow Creek Middle School.