A direct offensive against Richmond can be defended as a plausible way to seek an early decision. Success required trained troops, integrated reinforcements, realistic terrain assessment, and competent coordination. The Union attacked before those conditions existed and lost at First Bull Run. The objective was plausible; the timing and execution made it fail.
Notable Point · 24:08-24:22
A defensible Union aim, terribly executed
The final Union verdict separates the potentially sound aim of attacking Richmond from the rushed execution that produced First Bull Run.