9781422278949

Chapter One EARLY BATTLES

T he Battle of Bull Run (or the First Battle of Manassas) began at 5:15am on Sunday July 21, 1861, when a Union artillery piece sent a shell towards the Confederate lines. Most of the key future military leaders of the North and South were present at the battle, some in very junior positions. The Union army, under McDowell, committed some 18,572 men and 24 guns to the fight. The Confederates, in two forces, the first

Words to Understand Blockade: To stop people or supplies from entering or leaving a country or port, especially when at war. Counterattack: An attack intended to stop or oppose an attack by an enemy or competitor. Offensive: A large military attack.

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