First Battle of Bull Run (American Civil War) war movies

First Battle of Bull Run 21 July 1861

Also known as First Manassas Battle (since it was fought near the town of Manassas), it was the first major battle of American Civil War. Just few months after the start of the war Union forces were pushing towards the Confederate capitol city of Richmond, Virginia expecting to quickly finish the rebellion. They meet the opposition near the railway junction near Manassas (just 50 km from Washington) and engaged them with flanking attack. Unfortunately the attack was poorly coordinated and Confederates took the initiative pushing the Union forces back. The flanking action managed to overpower the opponents, but new Confederate units arrived by the train in time to secure the victory for South. The Union forces were retreating, but General Beauregard soldiers were too exhausted and scattered to take advantage of the situation and attack Washington even though the city was practically unprotected.

Gods and Generals 2003

The stories of generals from both sides of civil war presented in almost documentary like manner.