Is an account of the first major land battle of the Civil War, which took place on 21 July 1861. This staff ride guide explores a number of key elements, especially the inexperience of both the commanding officers in leading large numbers of troops in battle as well as their newly recruited and poorly trained volunteer soldiers. It also examines the naivety of both the Union and Confederacy and their unrealistic expectations of the conflict. The work illustrates numerous lessons from the battle at First Bull Run, including the dangers of not having a well-prepared and trained force at the onset of hostilities and the difficulties of launching offensive operations without proper preparation.

2007 reprint distributed to depository libraries, shipping list number : 2007-0304-P. No longer for sale by the Supt. of Docs. 2007 reprint distributed to depository libraries, shipping list no.: 2007-0304-P.

First Bull Run : an overview -- Further readings -- Chronology -- Order of battle, 21 July 1861 -- Casualties -- Organization -- Tactics -- Small arms -- Artillery -- Logistics -- Selected biographical sketches -- Suggested stops.