Final answer:
During the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, inexperienced troops encountered combat for the first time, resulting in a surprising Confederate victory. Spectators were forced to flee with the retreating Union army, realizing the true brutality of war.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Happened for the First Time During the First Battle of Bull Run?
During the First Battle of Bull Run, also known as First Manassas, on July 21, 1861, there was a significant event that occurred: It was the first major land battle of the American Civil War.
This historic battle took place in Prince William County, Virginia, along Bull Run Creek, and showcased for the first time the grim realities of war to both combatants and onlookers.
Approximately 60,000 troops were assembled, with 18,000 from each side actively engaged in combat. The Union forces attacked first but were eventually driven back by the Confederates, ultimately resulting in a shocking defeat for the Union and breaking any illusions of a quick, decisive victory.
This battle was unique as it was characterized by the inexperienced troops, grand spectatorship from Washington socialites and politicians, and the crushing blow it dealt to the Northern morale. The confident Union spectators who arrived with picnic baskets to watch the battle flee back to the capital in disarray, alongside the defeated Union soldiers.
These events marked a stark awakening to the Northern public about the true nature of the war, reshaping their expectations and the strategies to be employed in future engagements.
Overall, the First Battle of Bull Run dispelled the myth of a short war and illuminated the severe and brutal nature of the conflict that would unfold over the subsequent four years of Civil War, forcing a reconsideration of the Union's military strategy and objectives.