Why was the 2nd Battle of Bull Run important?
Aside from the strategic consequences, the battle was also a watershed event in the developing narratives concerning the quality of leadership of the two respective combatants. In brief, it served as a catalyst for Robert E. Lee’s reputation for genius, while simultaneously epitomizing the bungling efforts of early Federal army-level generalship. Defying common military doctrines of the time, Lee took the calculated gamble of splitting his army in the face of a superior enemy (when considering the combined might of the Armies of Virginia and Potomac), executing a daring wide-flanking manuever with Stonewall Jackson’s wing of the Army of Northern Virginia, while occupying McClellan’s front with Longstreet’s wing. In coming to this decision, Lee drew upon the appreciation of his assets (his trust in his subordinates Stonewall Jackson and James Longstreet being paramount) and his sagely understanding of the limitations of his opponents (George McClellan’s overbearing caution in handling t
