April 12, 2021
Untrained and Outmatched: The Marines at Bull Run
As the country fractured over slavery, the Marines went from peacetime readiness to crisis response, supporting naval blockades, fort defenses, and coastal raids. From amphibious landings in North Carolina to nighttime raids in Florida, the Corps played a supporting but critical role in shaping the early war effort. Their missions were small, fast, and dangerous. Most of the Marines who fought in these early actions were barely trained, yet they were sent straight into combat. Some of their operations succeeded. Others didn't. But through it all, the Marine Corps built its wartime footing while facing losses, logistical challenges, and growing demands from a nation at war with itself.
References
- Confederate States of America. (1974). Constitution of the Confederate States of America: Adopted unanimously by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, March 11, 1861.Foner, E. (2012). The fiery trial: Abraham Lincoln and American slavery. New York: W.W. Norton.
- Foner, E., Dietz, N., Tantor Media., & OneClick Digital (Firm). (2011). The fiery trial: Abraham Lincoln and American slavery. Old Saybrook, Conn.: Tantor Media.
- Grant, U. S., In Marszalek, J. F., In Nolen, D. S., & In Gallo, L. P. (2019). The personal memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant: The complete annotated edition.
- Leonard, J. W., Chitty, F. F. (1920). Story of the United States' marines ... "1740-1919". New York: U.S. marine corps.
- Lincoln, A. (1990). The collected works of Abraham Lincoln: 1848-1865. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers Univ. Press.
- Metcalf, C. H. (1941). A history of the United States Marine Corps. New York: Putnam.
- Stephens, A. H. (1861). Cornerstone Speech. Savannah, GA
- United States., & McClellan, E. N. (1932). History of the United States Marine Corps. Washington.
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