What was the significance of the second Battle of Bull Run?

Answer 1

The battle of 2nd Bull Run, or 2nd Manassas in Confederate terminology, was important for a number of reasons. First, as far as strategic concerns, it essentially forced a conclusion to the Union forays into Virginia in 1862. Having routed Pope and preventing his link-up with the bulk of McClellan's Army of the Potomac, Lee firmly grasped the initiative in Northern Virginia. Flush with victory and aware that the Federals were scampering back to Washington in disarray, Lee was now able to take the fight to Northern territory. Thus freed, Lee marched into Maryland on a brief campaign culminating in the battle of Antietem (Sharpsburg to the men in butternut and gray).

Aside from the strategic consequences, the battle was also a watershed event in the developing narratives concerning the quality of leadership of the two respective combatants. In brief, it served as a catalyst for Robert E. Lee's reputation for genius, while simultaneously epitomizing the bungling efforts of early Federal army-level generalship. Defying common military doctrines of the time, Lee took the calculated gamble of splitting his army in the face of a superior enemy (when considering the combined might of the Armies of Virginia and Potomac), executing a daring wide-flanking manuever with Stonewall Jackson's wing of the Army of Northern Virginia, while occupying McClellan's front with Longstreet's wing. In coming to this decision, Lee drew upon the appreciation of his assets (his trust in his subordinates Stonewall Jackson and James Longstreet being paramount) and his sagely understanding of the limitations of his opponents (George McClellan's overbearing caution in handling the Army of the Potomac on the Penninsula and Lee's general disdain for the skills of Pope's command as examples). He gambled he could unite his wings of the army and deliver a crushing blow to General Pope before McClellan could respond. The gamble paid off, and Pope was sent scurrying back across Bull Run, in little better accord than Irving McDowell's forces who contested roughly the same field the prior summer. For his part, Pope played the role Lee envisioned perfectly. Pope committed error after error in the campaign, starting with questionable orders to the troops and culminating in a somewhat bizarre refusal to recognize the realities of the field (namely, the presence of Longstreet's wing on his left flank). At least Lincoln quickly recognized Pope's shortcomings and removed him from such a prominent position of authority in the Eastern theater, sending him off to combat tribal uprisings in the upper mid-west. Unfortunately, this left Lincoln none other than George McClellan to command the forces in the east. But that's another story.

Answer 2

The First Battle of Bull Run was a major wake up call to the North. Union Forces were routed by Beuregards forces. It was an indication that this would be a long and bloody war and would require new leadership and improved training to prepare the federal troops for sustained action in the field.

Answer 3

It gave Lee the confidence to invade the North, resulting in his defeat at Antietam, which gave Lincoln a pretext for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, which kept Britain out of the war - a big factor in eventual Southern defeat.

Answer 4

It was the last in Robert E. Lee's impressive string of victories in Summer 1862 that had brought the British close to intervening on the side of the South. This was the true 'Confederate High Watermark'.

It resulted in the sacking of the Union commander John Pope, and the re-instating of McLellan, to the joy of the troops.

Answer 5

It was a further humiliation for McLellan, and brought Lincoln closer to firing him.

It raised Confederate morale, andgave Lee the confidence to plan his invasion of Pennsylvania. This would fail, and Lincoln would then have the credibility to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which had the effect of keeping Britain and France from helping the Confederates.

Answer 6

It gave Lee the confidence to plan his invasion of the North, which ended with his unexpected defeat at Antietam.

Answer 7

figures