Battle of Bull Run
On July 21, 1861, Union and Confederate fought each other near Manassas Junction in Virginia. It was the first major land battle. It was a fight between 35,000 Union troops and 20,000 Confederate troops. The Confederate ended up wining the battle and making the Union retreat because of there defense. The battle gave the South hope and shocked many Northerners.
Two mouths after the Confederate attacked Fort Sumter and began the Civil war the north wanted the Union to attack the Confederates. They wanted the Union to attack Richmond. President Lincoln then told General Irvin attack the Confederate quickly and decisively so they can make a way to Richmond.