The American Civil War Exploded In 1861 After Several Decades

1092 WordsMay 14, 20175 Pages
The American Civil War exploded in 1861 after several decades of tension boiling between the southern and northern states over contagious disputes including slavery, westward expansion and the federal authority over the states’ rights. The presidential election of 1860 and the triumph of Republican Abraham Lincoln, who was an ardent supporter of abolition led to the secession of seven southern states that formed the Confederate States of America. The other four states joined after the civil war had kicked off. Historical war manifested several years of ruthless battle at Bull Run (Manassas), Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Antietam, and Chancellorsville. Although the war lasted for over four years, it was one of the most important wars in the…show more content…
During the start of the war, 90 percent of the country’s products were manufactured in the north. Factories could then quickly manufacture guns, uniforms, ammunitions and other products needed to sustain the army. In this case, the north could easily replenish and supply its army on the battlefield. On the other hand, the Union States had weaknesses that hampered their operations. To start with, they had to strategize and plan attacks, building a reputation of aggression in the eyes of some. Moreover, they did not understand the southern terrain like their rivals (Caldwell & International Military Geology and Geography Conference, 2011, p. 155). Also, the Union States needed to be victorious in their plan, while the Confederates had to rebuff any attack as long as their rights, land, and property were secure. Therefore, the socio-economic and political pressure to succeed in such a war was huge for the Union. Also, without the best knowledge of the easiest routes in and out of the battle zones, most of their operations were hindered, and that increased their vulnerability. The South, on the other hand, had better leaders including Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, who held senior positions in the military before the onset of the battle (Cozzens, 2012, pp. 91). Comparing with the North, many of the experienced
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