The Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run showed the need for more what?

The Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run highlighted the critical need for more thorough preparation and an increase in troop numbers. This battle, taking place in July 1861, marked the first major engagement of the Civil War and served as a wake-up call for the Union forces. The outcome revealed that the Army was not adequately trained or organized to conduct large-scale warfare effectively.

In the aftermath, military leaders recognized that a well-trained and sufficiently-sized army was necessary to engage in sustained conflict. The battle underscored the importance of extensive drills, strategies, and logistics, as well as a command structure capable of managing both the battlefield dynamics and troop morale. Additionally, an increased number of soldiers would help to alleviate issues related to fatigue and logistics during combat, ensuring that the Union could mount a more robust response in future engagements. Overall, the lessons learned from Bull Run led to significant reforms in military training and personnel strategies for the Union Army.