First Bull Run 1861: The South's First Victory

Osprey Campaign #10

by Alan Hankinson

At Bull Run, two inexperienced, ill-trained and poorly led armies clashed in the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Culminating in a stalwart defensive fight by Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Brigade, this is the story of the Confederacy's first victory. The author investigates the personalities of the principal commanders and examines the opposing armies, showing how the widely varying uniforms of different units led to mistakes of identity which affected the battle at crucial points. Weapons, intelligence and the almost complete inexperience of the troops were a significant influence on the conduct of the battle as well. At Bull Run, two inexperienced, ill-trained and poorly led armies clashed in the opening engagement of the American Civil War. Culminating in a stalwart defensive fight by Stonewall Jackson's Virginia Brigade, this book is the story of the Confederacy's first victory. The lead up to the battle, the affair at Blackburn's Ford and the fight for Henry Hill are all examined. The author investigates the backgrounds and personalities of the principle commanders on both sides and shows how their decisions influenced the outcome of the battle. He also looks at the opposing armies and shows how the widely varying uniforms of different units led to mistakes of identity which affected the battle at crucial points. Weapons, intelligence and the almost universal inexperience of troops on both sides are all shown, and help to explain events in the Battle of Bull Run itself. Finally, the significance of Bull Run is evaluated: although a victory for the South Jackson at least believed that a defeat would have been better for the Confederates. As Henry Kyd wrote: The South was proud, jubilant, self-satisfied; it saw final success of easy attainment. The North, mortified by defeat and stung by ridicule, pulled itself together, raised armies, stirred up its people, and prepared for war in earnest.

Genres: Military History, American Civil War, American History, Civil War, History, Nonfiction, War

96 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 1991

Reviews

[Benito Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Osprey book providing a good introduction to the first major battle of the ACW. A confusing affaire, I’d by amateur generals, launching well motivated but arguably quite green troops into the meat grinder. Lots of names among the officers that later become key characters in he conflict like “stonewall” Jackson, Longstreet, etc

[Steve Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good summary of the lead up to the civil war and the first key battle. I’m currently playing a simulation game on the campaign and this short book helps to understand the bigger picture and flow of the campaign.

[John Somers · Rating 3 out of 5]

13/20.

[Leon O'Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on the kindle version, on my ipad. So the maps really did not work. However, it gave a really simple overview of the battle.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The is book is part of a series. The book is 8x11 and thin, so it is not meant to be carried to the battlefield, but it is quite good if you know nothing of the battle and would like to be able to understand the history and geography of the battle. The maps are excellent and some are even quasi-3D. The author does a good job explaining the background, the set-up, the battle and the some of the human foibles and character that often in sum shape the outcome. I will read the rest of the books after I visit this battlefield.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

the begining of the civil war and the souths victory

[Sean Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This provides an excellent overview of the campaign, battle, and the leaders. If you are interested in the battle but do not want to read a detailed account, this short book will do the trick.