Question.1017 - What stood out to you in this module?
Answer Below:
What struck me most about this module on early mobilization and the First Battle of Bull Run was both sides' initial optimism and inexperience when they began the Civil War. Following the surrender of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln's request for 70,000 volunteers from state militias to join federal forces drew a resounding response, with Northern troops outnumbering the requisition. This eagerness to join the Union army reflected the general expectation that the war would be over in a single, heroic fight. Many assumed that most Southerners would not fire on the American flag, underestimating the Confederacy's commitment. The First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia, near Manassas, was a devastating wake-up call for both sides. Sixty thousand troops were assembled for the conflict, most of whom had never fought. The initial Union invasion was met with fierce resistance, and the Confederate soldiers triumphed. Northern hopes for a quick and decisive victory were shattered, rather setting the foundation for a deadly four-year battle. Additionally, I found it noteworthy how the blockade of the South by the Union led the Confederacy to declare a state of war, officially marking the beginning of the Civil War. While intended to weaken the South, the blockade inadvertently implicitly recognized the Confederacy. It provided a legal pretext for foreign powers like Britain and France to trade with the Southern states. Overall, the module underscores both sides' initial misconceptions and illusions and the harsh reality of the protracted and devastating war that followed. It serves as a reminder of armed conflict's unpredictable and profound consequences.More Articles From History
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