Why the North Won the Civil War
Just judging from the "tale of the tape" immediately before the Second American Revolution broke out, it is amazing that the South managed to battle so valiantly for so long, dragging out the fight for several years, before finally being forced to give in to the North. The North possessed a tremendous numerical superiority, industrial advantages that allowed them to gain a technological advantage, and a complex system of railways and canals that allowed for easy transportation of troops and equipment. It was these logistical advantages that gave them the edge over the South to win the war, and they proved ultimately more valuable than brilliant officers, skilled soldiers, and popular support; all of which the South had in its corner. Cultural differences between the North and South dating back to the colonial era certainly were a factor contributing to the outbreak of war, but they indirectly contributed to its outcome as well. The South always had a strong desire to preserve its agricultural roots, rather than rapidly moving towards manufacturing, and industry, as the North did. During the years preceding the war, the North experienced a sudden influx of European immigrants, who quickly found low-paying jobs in factories. These
Napoleon Bonaparte once noted that "an army travels on its stomach". With an army as large as the North's, it was a tremendous task just accomplishing simple objectives, such as feeding, clothing, arming, and transporting its troops. It is obvious to anyone with a map to see that the North possessed much more arable land than the South, and despite the focus on industry, they were still able to produce enough food for the army without much difficulty. The North's nearly 82,000 industrial firms in 1860 were able to mass-produce weapons and ammunition, as well as textiles, and other necessary wartime goods. Even though they had the abundance of resources, supplying them to the troops was another challenge entirely. However, the North also had the edge in this category, with its intricate canal system, and 22,000 miles of railway upon which to move goods and soldiers. The South was severely lacking in this category, with its mere 9,000 miles of track, and before a national railway standard was implemented, the tracks were different in different regions, hindering transportation. Several key battles resulted in the Union blockading Southern supply lines. The Battle of Vicksburg in 1863 was a crucial turning point in the war; when General Grant gained control of the Mississippi, they essentially crippled the already wounded Confederacy. immigrants avoided the South, because it would be almost impossible to find employment,
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Approximate Word count = 964
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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