2nd Manassas Why was there a second Battle at Manassas?

[Creighton1930]

Thinking about how generals typically don't like fighting on the same battlefield a second time, why was there a second battle at Manassas? After a defeat on the same field the first time, why would there be another battle there?

 

[Package4]

Thinking about how generals typically don't like fighting on the same battlefield a second time, why was there a second battle at Manassas? After a defeat on the same field the first time, why would there be another battle there?

Because one just wasn't enough Pope was entrenched behind the Rappahannock River and Lee wanted to destroy his army before McClellan's army could combine with Pope's. He sent Jackson around the right side of Pope's army to cut off the supply line, in the rear and capture Manassas Junction with a cornucopia of supplies. Doing this drew Pope out where he could be brought to battle; the Junction was the key, Pope could not afford to have Jackson in his rear. Jackson moved to Groveton and Pope, thinking he was trying to escape threw piecemeal attacks against entrenched positions (rr cut), while Longstreet moved up through the Thoroughfare Gap.

Basically the answer to many battles is either a rr junction or road junction, very difficult to move a supply train and artillery overland.

 

[jackt62]

Actually, fighting over the same ground was not uncommon in the CW, particularly in the Virginia seat of war. That is not surprising given the relatively small geographical area in which hostilities see-sawed over 4 years. The Shenandoah Valley was a natural "highway" and communications route for invading armies of both sides to contest, the Rappahannock/Rapidan river lines provided defensive positions for the Confederacy and jumping off points for the Union, and the Richmond/Petersburg axis was a hotly contested location for both sides. Second Manassas is only one of the many battles that were fought over similar ground; others include Winchester, Cold Harbor (Gaines Mill), and the Wilderness.

 

[GwilymT]

Thinking about how generals typically don't like fighting on the same battlefield a second time, why was there a second battle at Manassas? After a defeat on the same field the first time, why would there be another battle there?

Why do Generals typically not "like fighting on the same battlefield a second time"?

I always thought that being familiar with the ground was quite an advantage and the second time we do something it's usually better than the first.

 

[captaindrew]

Add Fredericksburg to the list

 

[jackt62]

Add Fredericksburg to the list

Also Harpers Ferry

 

[JOHN42768]

Winchester many, many times. Six major battles with a change of ownership 72 times

 

[Biscoitos]

Why do Generals typically not "like fighting on the same battlefield a second time"?

I always thought that being familiar with the ground was quite an advantage and the second time we do something it's usually better than the first.

If both sides were familiar with the ground to whom was it "quite an advantage?"

 

[PrivateBrooke]

If both sides were familiar with the ground to whom was it "quite an advantage?"

Advantages are not necessarily mutually exclusive. "A factor or circumstance of benefit to its possessor." Knowing the ground is certainly a benefit, hence why scouts are important. It's certainly nice if you don't need to scout.

 

[GwilymT]

If both sides were familiar with the ground to whom was it "quite an advantage?"

Who knows. I was questioning the assertion that generals don't like to fight on the same ground.

 

[JeffFromSyracuse]

Thinking about how generals typically don't like fighting on the same battlefield a second time, why was there a second battle at Manassas? After a defeat on the same field the first time, why would there be another battle there?

The area of the first battle suited Jackson's purposes well in late August 1862. It had several routes to the Thoroughfare Gap, through which Longstreet's wing was approaching. It had a strong defensive position in the unfinished railroad cut. And it had proximity to several lines of retreat in case Jackson was hard pressed by the Army of Virginia.

 

[Jamieva]

The area of the first battle suited Jackson's purposes well in late August 1862. It had several routes to the Thoroughfare Gap, through which Longstreet's wing was approaching. It had a strong defensive position in the unfinished railroad cut. And it had proximity to several lines of retreat in case Jackson was hard pressed by the Army of Virginia.

It also was in proximity to popes supply base. Stonewall was bait to draw popes attention away while Longstreet made his move, and nothing baits an army commander like his supply base being wiped out. Pope and lee were not involved with the first battle anyways.

 

[Stone in the wall]

Winchester many, many times. Six major battles with a change of ownership 72 times

Also near by Romney change hands 56 times, some times more than once in 24 hours

 

[Pat Answer]

Basically the answer to many battles is either a rr junction or road junction, very difficult to move a supply train and artillery overland.

This is definitely a key to wars throughout history. Look at how the infrastructure is laid out in relation to the topography and you will be able to tell where an army can move, fight, and eat. That is what makes some locations "strategic" and why they are fought over repeatedly.

Regarding the OP: the general area was the same (road net influenced location) but the opposing forces were in different positions and approached the battle from different directions in 1861 and 1862.

 

[Stone in the wall]

Advantages are not necessarily mutually exclusive. "A factor or circumstance of benefit to its possessor." Knowing the ground is certainly a benefit, hence why scouts are important. It's certainly nice if you don't need to scout.

Wouldn't those Union troops from 1st Manassas be with McCellan? They did learn how to get to Manassas, and the fastest way to get back to Washington.

 

[Yankeedave]

And altho the two battles at bull run have the same name, little of the same ground was fought over.

 

[JeffFromSyracuse]

Wouldn't those Union troops from 1st Manassas be with McCellan? They did learn how to get to Manassas, and the fastest way to get back to Washington.

I logged this in another thread. There were 16 Union regiments that fought at both battles.

 

[Stone in the wall]

I logged this in another thread. There were 16 Union regiments that fought at both battles.

Thanks for taking the time and answering my question.

 

[GwilymT]

Wouldn't those Union troops from 1st Manassas be with McCellan? They did learn how to get to Manassas, and the fastest way to get back to Washington.

And then USCT learned how to walk into Richmond.

 

[Stone in the wall]

And then USCT learned how to walk into Richmond.

I thought they were just following the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry.