War Stories - The First Battle of Bull Run, Part 4: The Collapse and Chaos of the Northern Army

As afternoon arrived, the Union Army launched a counterattack, beginning to pressure the right flank of the Confederate Army. With reinforcements pouring onto the front lines, the Confederates found it increasingly difficult to sustain their assault. Confederate soldiers attempted an orderly retreat, but as the fighting intensified, their formations began to crumble. On the path back to Washington across the Bull Run River, not only soldiers but also civilians who had come to watch the battle were caught in the chaos. Initially, those who thought the war would end soon found themselves at the battlefield, but as the situation rapidly changed, they were seen fleeing together towards Washington. The Confederate retreat ultimately turned into a rout, and the Union Army seized control of the battlefield. However, the Union Army also suffered heavy casualties from the prolonged fighting and their command structure became so disorganized that they couldn't pursue the Confederates to the end. By July 22nd, the remnants of the Confederate Army had returned to the defenses of Washington. Although the Union Army won the First Battle of Bull Run, it did not lead to a decisive victory that could end the war itself. Like the last sentence says, the Union won, but it was a war that started with too big of a gap.