¶ … Civil War in the United States can be considered as the darkest moment in its relatively young history. (Donovan, 2002) To this day, arguments abound about the relative strengths of the positions of the secessionists vs. those that wanted to maintain the integrity of the country. But despite the death and destruction -- several hundred thousand lost their lives and millions more became casualties in one way or the other -- two beautiful outcomes resulted. The adage: "One Nation under God" was preserved as a truism for all time; and the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all men were equal and could not be differently treated solely on the basis of color of skin. Besides being arguably on the right side of the War the North also won because it was economically stronger and also embraced the rise technological advances that came from the Industrial Revolution.
The Confederate South was militarily far stronger; and the North could perhaps not match it just militarily. The North however, was industrially stronger. Other factors that contributed were strategy, leadership and a stronger economy. The Union won the civil war by economic strength and industrial dominance not just by the power of their military.
Zebrowski avers that the South needed foreign military aid from
(Zebrowski, 1999, p.222). In population, the North had an advantage of almost five to two. This advantage was further enhanced because of the slaves who were a significant percentage of the Confederate States -- almost one third -- who refused to fight to keep themselves subjugated. (Current, 1983, p.21). Raw materials were mostly congregated in the North. Much of the railroads were traced across the northern habitants: twice as much track and a better system of integrated lines (Brinkley, 1991, p. 383). The South fell short with these advantages and just could not keep up.
The most important factor that led to Northern victory was economic supremacy. Due to the industrial revolution the North had a well-developed industry system. By 1862, the North could produce all its own war materials (Brinkley, 1991, p. 383). These materials were shipped on the efficient Northern railroad. The Northern government funded the war by levying taxes, issuing paper currency, and borrowing. Congress levied taxes on almost all goods and services. In 1861, Congress levied the first income tax to support the war funding. A uniform paper currency was issued. Much like today's currency, this currency was not backed by gold or silver but by the good faith and credit of the government. The largest source for funding the Civil War was by issuing loans. The treasury persuaded ordinary citizens to buy over $400 million worth of bonds (Brinkley, 1991, p. 385).
The Industrial Revolution did not take shape in the South by this time. The South depended highly on the harvesting of their cash crop cotton as capitol for the…
Robert E. Lee was also an important general responsible for commanding the Northern Virginia regiment of the confederate army. Lee was interesting in that even though he was a confederate commander he was believed be against slavery. Lincoln's beliefs about America are forever engrained on the national psyche. Speeches such as the Gettysburg Address are still quoted and reflects the intent of the founding fathers. The Gettysburg Address states, "Four
It appeared almost as if the South might win, and many of Lincoln's advisers "said that there was no way to win the war and he might need to compromise on slavery," (Moreton, 2008). However, Lincoln would not budge. It would have certainly been the politically expedient thing to do for Lincoln to surrender and make a compromise that would result in the preservation of the union on the
Civil War represents a decisive period in American history, but also one of violence, during which more than 620,000 Americans died. (Gary B. Nash, Carter Smith, page 144) The American Civil War was fought between North and the South, and started as a result of their differences regarding slavery, state's rights and federal authority. The decisive moment was when Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln won the election, and become the president
Civil War Would the union still have won the civil war if the Border States separated? The union would have still won if the Border States separated. During the Civil War the Border States, Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, were not critical to the unions victory over the confederates. Unfortunately, our modern society has been marred with war and strife over its eventful lifespan. A civil disagreement, when accompanied by mass offenses, often
Civil Death Death and the American Civil War: Disruptions of Decency and a New Awareness of Reality Victorian notions of the body and its functions were complex given the combination of the rise in biological and medical knowledge that occurred during the nineteenth century and the prudery that gained such traction during the same era. These two trajectories were likely not in simple conflict as they might appear, but rather the increasing
Civil War and Grant The Civil War in the United States can be considered as the darkest moment in its relatively young history. (Mitgang, 2000) His Gettysburg State of the Union Address is perhaps the shortest in history; but the depth of meaning and the profundity of emotions it invokes should never be forgotten. It starkly contrasts with the inane, self-congratulatory blather of modern presidential administrations. This hotly contested War had amazing
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