Question.2604 - After reading the speeches from Alexander H. Stephens and Abraham Lincoln that are linked in the Study Materials section,write a paper of 750 to 1100 words (3 to 4 typed,double-spaced pages) in which you examine the strengths and weaknesses (both civilian and military) of the Northand South as they face each other in 1861.What did the South have to do to accomplishits goal? Why wasn't the South able to accomplish it? How did the poltical leadership of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis contribute to success or failure? In what ways do these primary sources speak to the different ideologies of the North and South? Use specific examples to illustrate your points,but do not merely copy answers from the textbook. Creative thinking and your own wording are important aspects of an effective answer. Be sure to use proper citations for every idea that is not your own,whether quoted or paraphrased.You may choose to use either APA or MLA format,as long as you are consistent. [M06.2,M06.3]
Answer Below:
When the civil war broke out both sides of the war were under the impression that the war would be over soon. It was presumed that the win would be easy for both sides. The Union planned an aggressive attack against the South. In the beginning the ending of slavery was not the goal. There was a major conflict between the Union and Confederacy. The underlying cause of the civil war was on the contentious issue of slavery. The Confederacy southern states had relied heavily on enslaved labor and the North on the other hand had been going through the process of industrialization. The American Civil War witnessed many developments in military tactics and technology (Sanzy, March 2010) . Both the North and the South had their own strengths and weaknesses. The North, also known as the Union, possessed several strengths during the American Civil War that contributed to its eventual victory. Population and Resources: The North had a significantly larger population than the South, with approximately 22 million people compared to the South's 9 million (including about 4 million enslaved individuals). This population advantage provided a larger pool of potential soldiers, workers, and resources for the Union war effort. The North also had a more extensive industrial base, enabling it to produce and supply weapons, ammunition, and other war materials in greater quantities. Economic Power: The North's industrialization and diverse economy gave it a considerable economic advantage. Its manufacturing capacity allowed for the mass production of goods needed for the war, including weapons, uniforms, and equipment. The North's transportation infrastructure, including railroads and canals, facilitated the movement of troops and supplies. Naval Superiority: The Union possessed a superior navy, which played a crucial role in blockading Confederate ports, preventing the South from receiving essential supplies and exporting goods. The Union navy also conducted amphibious operations and provided support to ground forces during key campaigns, such as the capture of New Orleans and the siege of Vicksburg. Government and Leadership: The Union government, under President Abraham Lincoln, had a centralized structure that enabled more effective mobilization of resources and coordination of military operations. The North also had capable military leadership, including Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman, who devised successful strategies and implemented coordinated offensives. Diplomatic Advantages: The North enjoyed greater international recognition and support. European powers, such as Great Britain and France, were hesitant to recognize the Confederacy due to various factors, including moral opposition to slavery and concerns about disrupting trade relationships with the Union. This limited Confederate access to foreign aid and prevented a broader internationalization of the conflict. Political and Moral Cause: The North had a strong political and moral cause to fight for, emphasizing the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery. This cause provided motivation and unity among Northern soldiers and civilians, contributing to their resolve and commitment throughout the war (Kennon) . While the strengths of the North played a crucial role in its eventual victory, it is important to note that the American Civil War was a complex and protracted conflict, with both sides experiencing significant challenges and setbacks. The war was marked by fierce fighting, high casualties, and evolving strategies on both sides. Ultimately, the combined impact of the North's strengths, along with strategic decisions and military campaigns, contributed to the Union's success in preserving the United States as a single nation (Cleve, 2010) . The South, also known as the Confederacy, had several strengths during the American Civil War that contributed to its ability to wage a prolonged conflict against the Union. Military Leadership: The South had a number of skilled military leaders, including General Robert E. Lee, who was widely regarded as one of the most talented commanders of the war. Lee's tactical brilliance and ability to inspire his troops provided the Confederacy with effective military leadership. Defensive Warfare and Knowledge of the Terrain: The South had a primarily defensive strategy, aiming to protect its territory and wear down the Union forces. The Southern states were familiar with their own terrain, which often presented challenges to Union forces unfamiliar with the region. This knowledge allowed Confederate forces to exploit the landscape and effectively defend against Union offensives. Motivation and Morale: The Confederacy had a strong motivation to defend its way of life, including the institution of slavery and the concept of states' rights. This sense of purpose and commitment to their cause often provided high levels of morale and determination among Southern soldiers. Geographic Size: The South's vast geographic expanse presented logistical challenges for the Union forces. The Confederacy covered a large territory, making it difficult for the Union to maintain effective control and sustain long supply lines. The South's vastness allowed for the possibility of defensive warfare and the ability to stretch Union resources. Skilled Cavalry: The South had skilled cavalry units, such as General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry, which were highly effective in reconnaissance, harassment of Union forces, and disruption of supply lines. Confederate cavalry played a crucial role in several key battles and campaigns. Foreign Trade and Cotton Diplomacy: The Confederacy sought to leverage its cotton exports and secure recognition and support from European powers, particularly Britain and France. The South believed that its vital cotton trade with these countries would compel them to intervene in the war on its behalf. Although these diplomatic efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, they provided a potential advantage for the Confederacy (Mack, 2002) . It's important to note that while the South had strengths, it also faced significant challenges, including resource limitations, industrial disadvantages, and ultimately an inability to match the Union's manpower and resources. The war's outcome was influenced by a combination of factors, and despite the South's strengths, the Union's advantages in population, resources, and strategic decisions played a significant role in the ultimate Confederate defeat (Lewis, 2010) . While Jefferson's authorship of the Declaration of Independence emphasized the ideals of liberty and equality, he himself owned enslaved individuals throughout his life. Jefferson recognized the moral dilemma of slavery but struggled to find a feasible solution. He advocated for gradual emancipation and the colonization of freed slaves outside of the United States. Lincoln viewed slavery as a moral evil and believed in the equality of all individuals. While he initially focused on preserving the Union rather than abolishing slavery, his views evolved over time. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued as a military measure, transformed the Civil War into a moral struggle against slavery (Long, 1890) References Cleve, G. W. (2010). A Slaveholders’ Union: Slavery, Politics, and the Constitution in the Early American Republic. The Slaveholding Republic: An Account of the United States Government’s Relations to Slavery, . Kennon, P. F. (n.d.). Ending the Civil War and Ending the Civil War and. Published for the United States Capitol Historical Society by Ohio University Press . Lewis, C. D. (2010). The Economic Cost of the American Civil War: Estimates and Implications. The Journal of Economic History . Long, J. T. (1890). How the Battle Was Fought? Washington: Librarian of Congress . Mack, A. (2002). Civil War: Academic Research and the Policy Community. Journal of Peace Research . Sanzy, M. S.-N. (March 2010). The impact of the American Civil War on city growth. Universidad de Zaragoza Retrived from https://zaguan.unizar.es/record/56118/files/texto_completo.pdf?version=1 .More Articles From Management
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