Amazing First Manassas Wargame

In this episode, Little Wars TV refights the first major battle of the American Civil War, First Manassas. Our wargame plays out on a huge tabletop, in 15mm scale, with the classic "Fire & Fury" rules. Before the battle, Greg and Tony debate the legacy of General Irvin McDowell. Was he really such a terrible choice for commander-in-chief of the main Federal army? How close was McDowell to winning the battle historically and how sound was his plan of attack? Let's find out!

Our thanks again to our sponsor for this episode, The Great Courses Plus. Sponsors like them help us to travel to battlefields and bring you footage from these incredible, historic locations.

[mrhype]

Absolutely love the blind map phase of the battles you guys do. It makes me feel more invested in the table game for some reason. Great video guys.

[KroM]

It's funny because Chal actually looks like McDowell

[yaitz]

Stonewall Jackson, more then earning his name again. He's a constant; no matter what historical timeline you're in, he will win.

[shawnscott]

"Sir! A Lemon Sucking Maniac!" I laughed way harder than I expected at that! My new favourite title for Jackson! Great job as always guys

[scotthendrickson]

Wow, haven't seen a game of Fire & Fury in years. Loved that set of rules

[KhanUlric]

I admit this morning a black powder video showed up on my recommended, but it wasn't the same quality. refreshed the home screen and saw a new one from you guys. breakfast is now made... :)

[enginetruck]

Well.... American Civil War, 15mm miniatures and yet another amazing battle scape to game on!!! Love it!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Great work guys. I love that you are using Fire and Fury rules for this episode and will be releasing a review. 👏🏻👏🏻

[hangarflying]

Huzzah! Great to see a Fire and Fury game in the untamed wilds of the internet. F&F is my bread and butter of miniature wargaming. We're going to need a "how to" video on your pre-battle theater maps.

[DerangedShadow]

Love all fog of war mechanics! Makes everything stressful and exciting because you have no idea what the other side is doing.

[seanhillman]

Concerning McDowell, again not trying to praise the man, but Union commanders' often suffer from the general and somewhat flawed impression that they were mostly incompetent. Which I do not think is fair. Key officers and politicians in positions of power often placed their subordinates in tough positions.
Enjoyed the battle and the video.

[jordancrump]

Was just thinking the other day that I could use a good minis battle from Little Wars TV! Thanks for obliging, and fantastic job as always.

[seanmcbride]

I think this may have been my favorite video yet. The pre-battle maps added so much to this game. Great job. Have a drink on me.

[DeePsix]

This is amazing content. I know a lot of effort went into not only the game but also editing, travel, and research. Thanks for bringing this to us!

[deathguarddavegoogley]

Great stuff. Love the American civil war - even though I’m an English wargamer! I intend to write my own ACW rules in the future, based on Fire and Fury but streamlined a little for 6mm scale gaming so this is very inspiring!

[xotlUE]

Yankee-Doodle went to Richmond, a'ridin' Stonewalls' pony,
He won the war in ninety-days
And declared a sweet Vic-Tory!

[captainnolan]

Detzer points out that McDowell likely did not have 30, 000+ men actually available on the day of battle, but a number many thousands fewer.

[PeaveyMace]

Outstanding gentlemen!!! Love the Fire and Fury rules. Wished there were some players in Central Virginiaa that I knew about.

[YOUPIMatin]

That was a great video. Love those hidden maneuvers and context before hand. Thanks!

[Grubnar]

Well now ... that was awesome!

I have never played historical wargaming myself, usually sci-fi (Warhammer 40.000) and a little bit of fantasy. But Ken Burn's The Civil War documentary series is a favorite of mine, and I really like this battle report. Greetings from Iceland, and a happy new year!

[The_Kingmaker]

Please do some more Civil War battles! Also would you consider doing some alternate battles, like Pipe Creek (if Meade lost at Gettysburg)?