Final answer:
The first major battle of the Civil War, known as First Manassas or First Battle of Bull Run, was fought near Manassas, Virginia. The Confederacy emerged victorious, and this battle signaled to both sides that the war would not be quickly won.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first major battle of the Civil War, known as First Manassas or First Battle of Bull Run, took place on July 21, 1861. It was fought near Manassas, Virginia, approximately 30 miles from Washington, DC. The Confederate forces, commanded by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard and Brigadier General Joseph E. Johnston, faced off against the Union forces commanded by Brigadier General Irvin McDowell.The Union forces attacked first but were pushed back, and the Confederate forces emerged victorious. This battle was significant because it proved to both the North and the South that the war would not be quickly won and that both sides needed to prepare for a long and brutal conflict.