The South, which was predominantly agricultural and heavily dependent on slave labor, faced severe economic disruptions. The Union's blockade of Southern ports and the emancipation of slaves led to a collapse of the plantation economy and a shortage of manpower for agricultural labor. As a result, food production declined significantly, and many Southern civilians faced hunger and deprivation. The war also caused widespread destruction of property and infrastructure in the South, particularly in areas that saw intense fighting.
In the North, the hardships were of a different nature. While the Northern economy was stronger and less reliant on slavery, the war still posed significant challenges. The Union government imposed heavy taxes to fund the war effort, and inflation led to rising prices, putting a strain on the population. The North also experienced shortages of certain goods due to disruptions in trade and the diversion of resources to the war effort. Additionally, the loss of manpower due to the large number of soldiers sent to fight in the war resulted in labor shortages in some industries.
Overall, both the North and the South experienced hardships during the Civil War. The South faced severe economic disruption and widespread devastation, while the North dealt with economic challenges, inflation, and shortages. The impact of these hardships varied across different regions and population groups, making it difficult to make a definitive comparison of the hardships faced by each region.