In the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21st, Virginia) a large Union army was halted by a much smaller force led by General 'Stonewall Jackson'. The Union troops fled back to Washington in panic.
Both sides need to strengthen their armies to secure a decisive victory. Confederate Options Strengthen the army by using “minie” bullets which spin as they leave the rifle and so travel much further, more accurately. Strengthen the army by developing “repeating” guns which can fire over 100 bullets a minute. Rely on old-fashioned musket ball rifles, which can’t fire as far or as accurately and which inflict less damage when they hit soldiers. Union Options Strengthen the army by using “minie” bullets which spin as they leave the rifle and so travel much further, more accurately. Strengthen the army by developing “repeating” guns which can fire over 100 bullets a minute. Rely on old-fashioned musket ball rifles, which can’t fire as far or as accurately and which inflict less damage when they hit soldiers. Outcomes Both armies experimented with early forms of machine gun, but they were heavy (900kg) and overheated easily. Both sides also used 'Minié Ball' bullets, which inflicted horrific injuries upon impact. Neither side therefore had a technological advantage, but both sides were able to inflict terrible damage upon each other.
For example, in the Battle of Shiloh (April 6th-7th 1862, Tennessee), Union General Ulysses S. Grant was almost defeated by a surprise attack by Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston. However, reinforcements turned the tide: the following day, General Johnston was killed and his successor, General Beauregard was forced to retreat. Quiz Questions Who was the most important Confederate General during the American Civil War?*General Lee*General McClellan*General Beauregard*General Grant Who was the most important Union General in the early stages of the American Civil War?*General McClellan*General Lee*General Beauregard*General Grant