First Battle of Bull Run

The First Battle of Bull Run, fought in July 1861 near Manassas, Virginia, was the first major land conflict of the American Civil War. Union forces aimed to quickly defeat the Confederate army and end the fight, but the Confederates, confident and well-prepared, repelled the Union attack. The battle showed that the war would be longer and more brutal than expected, shattering illusions of quick victory for the North. It resulted in a Confederate victory, boosting Southern morale and highlighting the need for more extensive military planning. The battle underscored that the Civil War would be a hard, sustained conflict.