American history: 1861, Part 2 — The Union struggles early, and Stonewall Jackson emerges

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]From the start of the Civil War, the Confederates really seem to have the Union Army's number. And as we look at the second half of 1861, the first year of the war, we see that starts all the way back in the first real battle. And in case you missed part one, Abraham Lincoln took office. A total of 11 states had seceded from the Union and the bloodless battle of Fort Sumpter in South Carolina set in motion the bloodiest war in US history. Now, by July, both sides have assembled armies, and the pressure for action is overwhelming. Northern newspapers demand a march on the Confederate capital of Richmond. Commanding General Irvin McDow tells Lincoln that his army isn't ready.

[00:00:33]And Lincoln tells him the Confederate army isn't ready either. And on July 21st, Union forces meet Confederate troops at Bull Run Creek near Manasses, Virginia. And Washington civilians, congressmen, socialites, families. They ride out with picnic baskets to watch the Union victory they've been promised.

[00:00:48]It was a bit of a different time back then. And early in the battle, Union forces push the Confederates back. But then Confederate reinforcements arrive, including Thomas Jackson's Virginia Brigade, holding a defensive line so firmly that another officer calls out that Jackson stands like a stone wall, earning him the nickname Stonewall Jackson. The Union assault breaks, and what begins as a retreat just becomes a route. Panicked Union soldiers and civilians tangled together on the road back to Washington, and the illusion of an easy war dies at Bull Run. Lincoln responds to this by appointing 34year-old George Mlen to command the Army of the PTOIC. There won't be great things to say about this guy in the coming videos, but Mlelen is an exceptional organizer. He takes a demoralized force streaming back from Bull Run and builds it into a professional army over the following months. It's also deeply reluctant and seemingly scared to use that army. The tension between Mlelen's extreme caution and Lincoln's urgency will define the next year of the war. Meanwhile, both sides, but especially the South, are simultaneously competing for something else that could matter as much as any battle. European recognition. The Confederacy needs Britain and France to intervene. Their cotton feeds British textile mills and southern diplomats believe that economic pressure will force recognition from Britain.

[00:01:57]Confederate envoys James Mason and John Slidell sail for Europe in October to make the case directly. They don't arrive. Union Navy captain Charles Wilks intercepts the British male seamer Trent in November and removes Mason and Slidel by force. Britain is obviously furious.

[00:02:12]A neutral ship was boarded and British passenger seize. London demands their immediate release and begins preparing for war. And for weeks, the Union faces the possibility of fighting the Confederacy and the British Empire simultaneously. Lincoln releases the envoy citing international maritime law and the crisis passes. Mason and Slidel reach Europe, but they will find no recognition waiting for them there. So by the end of the year, the Confederacy has not collapsed as a Northed. The Union has not fractured as a South hoped, and both sides keep trying to find their upper hand. So follow for 1862, the real killing begins and the casualty counts make Bull Run look like a skirmish.