1. Northern Expectations:
- Preservation of the Union: The primary goal of the North was to preserve the unity of the United States and prevent the secession of Southern states. They believed in a strong central government and the importance of maintaining the federal authority over individual states.
- Economic Interests: The Northern economy was heavily industrialized, and many Northern leaders viewed the preservation of the Union as crucial to maintaining their economic prosperity. They feared that secession would disrupt trade, commerce, and transportation networks.
- Gradual Emancipation of Slavery: While some Northern abolitionists advocated for the immediate abolition of slavery, many believed in a more gradual approach. They hoped that by preserving the Union, they could eventually bring about the abolition of slavery through constitutional amendments or political pressure.
2. Southern Expectations:
- Preservation of States' Rights: Southern states believed in the principle of states' rights, which emphasized the sovereignty and autonomy of individual states within the federal system. They wanted to protect their right to maintain slavery, as well as control over other internal matters such as taxation and trade policies.
- Protection of Slavery: For many Southern plantation owners and slaveholders, the preservation of slavery was paramount. They feared that the Northern government would eventually abolish slavery or restrict their economic interests in the institution.
- Creation of a Southern Confederacy: Some Southerners envisioned the formation of a new independent nation or confederacy, separate from the United States. They believed that the Southern states had the right to secede from the Union and establish their own government based on their values and interests.
3. Expectations of War:
- Short and Decisive Conflict: Both Northern and Southern leaders initially believed that the conflict would be a short and decisive affair, with one side achieving victory quickly. Many thought the war would be resolved in a matter of months, rather than the protracted and bloody struggle that it ultimately became.
- Political Negotiations: Some hoped that political negotiations and compromise could prevent the outbreak of war or bring about a peaceful resolution early on. However, attempts at compromise failed, and the war escalated into a full-scale conflict.
4. Belief in Military Superiority:
- Northern Confidence: The North had a larger population, a stronger economy, and a more industrialized infrastructure, which led many to believe that they had the advantage in terms of military power.
- Southern Confidence: The South had a strong sense of regional pride and a tradition of military prowess, particularly in cavalry warfare. They believed that their knowledge of the Southern terrain and the determination of their soldiers would compensate for their disadvantages.
Ultimately, the expectations of a quick and decisive victory proved unfounded as the war dragged on for four long years, resulting in significant loss of life and profound social, political, and economic changes for both the North and the South.