Three months passed since the fall of Fort Sumter, and both North and South were growing impatient for a decisive battle. The Confederates had moved their capital to Richmond, only a hundred miles from Washington, which caused great concern in the Northern capital. Many Northern politicians and newspapers pressed for the army to invade Virginia and capture Richmond.

Preparing for Battle

The Federal army around Washington was the largest force ever assembled in North America up to that time, and it was commanded by General Irvin McDowell. McDowell was hesitant to attack, but many of the three-month enlistments were about to expire. While his battle plan was sound, the question was whether or not his troops were experienced enough to execute it.

In Virginia, a Confederate force under General P.G.T. Beauregard, hero of Fort Sumter, blocked the Federals’ path. In addition a second force under General Joseph Johnston was nearby. The Federal plan was to defeat Beauregard in northern Virginia before Johnston could arrive to help, then move on to Richmond. The key point in the Federal plan was the railroad junction at Manassas.

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