CANCELLED: America at War: Civil War - Battle of Bull Run: Armies Clash for the First Time

Fought on July 21, 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run or Manassas, VA was the first major battle of the U.S. Civil War. The Union commander Brigadier General Irvin McDowell gave in to pressure from the government to begin campaigning before his men’s 90-day enlistments expired. He did not feel that the army was adequately trained. The battle would become a tragedy of errors. The soldiers came dressed in a variety of uniforms with all types of weapons and were totally undisciplined. Tourists and sightseers would only add to the confusion. A Confederate victory would end northern hopes for a quick end to the war. Duane E. Shaffer discusses the strategy and tactics of this important battle.