War Strategies

War StrategiesChapter 16 Section 1

Choosing SidesBorder states- states that remain in union

but still allow slaveryMissouri- control parts of Miss. River

major routes westKentucky- control of Ohio RiverDelaware- near major city of PhiladelphiaMaryland- close to Richmond (Southern

capital), vital railroads & Washington D.C.

Both Sides Expect Short WarBoth sides felt that they were

rightGod was on their side

Convinced that the other side would give up after a few battles

Union AdvantagesLarger population-More

ManpowerMore Factories & resourcesBetter banking- raise moneyGreater food productionExtensive railroad systemLincoln was an excellent leaderMore ships and navy regulars

Confederate AdvantagesStrong support from Southern peopleHome-field advantage/motivation

-Defending their homes and familiesProfits from cottonBetter GeneralsStrong Military Tradition- large pool of

officers

North- Anaconda PlanNorth’s Plan for Victory had 3 Parts

1. Blockade Southern Ports-Keep Supplies Out & stop

exports2. Control the Mississippi River

- Split the South in two3. Capture the Southern Capital

-Richmond, Virginia

Southern StrategyMain goal: survive as a nation Defensive strategy- hold on to as

much territory as possible until North gets tired of fighting

Attack Northern troops only when victory was assured & to persuade North that it could not win

ConclusionStrategies were well suited to

each sides goals and objectivesSouth did better job executing

plan at firstEventually Northern Plan took

its toll on Southern supplies

Brother Against BrotherMany Americans have family that

are split between sidesMany military officers attended

military school together at West Point

some officers fought in the Mexican American war together

Who Were the Soldiers?Average age: 25 40%- less than 21

yrs oldMost come from

farms Almost 3 million

fight by war’s end