Why was the first battle of Manassas a surprise to both sides?

Answer 1

When the war began it was felt by both sides it wouldn't last long and that war was rather glorious. The battle was on a Sunday afternoon and people came out with picnic lunches to watch it. Most people and soldiers were taken by surprise how bloody and vicious the battle was. The church goers had to run for their lives as the battle moved around them and soldiers threw down their guns and ran. It was hard to tell who was who since no standard uniforms were used by both sides. The battle took place in people's front yards and on their farms. One farmer moved after his experience of bullets flying through his house. Four years later peace was made in his living room. Generally people don't realize how dirty and awful war really is. There is a tendency (even today) to make war glorious and full of heroes who fight in it. In reality it is the opposite of what really happens.