What advantages did the Confederates have over the Union in the First Battle of Bull Run?

Answer 1

Ostensibly, the Confederates had larger numbers of cavalry, but this advantage was offset by the Union's superiority in artillery, and neither would play a decisive role in the battle. In infantry, both armies were rather evenly matched. Other than the inherent advantages of the defender in any conflict, the Confederates had superior communications. A Confederate signal tower sighted the Union advance across Sudely Ford, and the Union attack at the Stone Bridge was revealed as a feint. Realizing they were about to be flanked, enterprising Confederate officers turned to blunt the Union advance until Jackson's brigade arrived, followed by the rest of the Confederate Army. Even still, the battle swayed back and forth, with the Union Army gaining the upper hand until fresh Confederate troops arrived by train from the Shenandoah Valley. In addition to communications, the Confederates had the advantage of mobility, and First Bull Run (or First Manassas as we call it in the South) was the first battle in world history in which the railroad was a factor of victory.

Another way to explain the Confederate victory was the use of the tactic known as interior lines. In this case the forces of General Johnston met the Forces of General Beauregard via a rail connection. This was a perfect example of how interior lines work. Where needed, two armies can combine if they have for example a railway or water connection.

Answer 2

Troops under the command of Major General John Pope numbered almost 70,000 men. This was due to the fact that his new army, the Army of Virginia was combined with resources of the Army of the Potomac. These 70,000 troops had a numerical advantage over General Lee's 55,000 man army.

Answer 3

The danger that goes with dividing your army in the presence of the enemy - that he will outnumber the separate parts.

But Pope did not know that Lee had done this until too late.

Answer 4

They were Yankees