* Advantages:
* Larger population
* More industrialized economy
* Better infrastructure
* Stronger navy
* More experienced military leaders
* Disadvantages:
* Fighting on unfamiliar territory
* Had to invade the South to win
* Some Northerners were opposed to the war
The South
* Advantages:
* Fighting on home turf
* Strong military leadership
* Motivated soldiers
* Disadvantages:
* Smaller population
* Less industrialized economy
* Weaker infrastructure
* No navy
* Fewer experienced military leaders
The Course of the War
The Civil War began in 1861 and lasted for four years. The first two years of the war were relatively evenly matched. The South won several major battles, but the North won the overall war of attrition. In 1863, the Union Army won two decisive victories: the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Vicksburg. These victories gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two. The South surrendered in 1865.
The Impact of the War
The Civil War had a profound impact on the United States. The war ended slavery, reunited the country, and set the stage for the growth of the United States as a major world power. The war also resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 Americans.
The North's Role in the War
The North played a vital role in the Civil War. The North's advantages in population, industry, and infrastructure gave it the upper hand in the war. The North also had the stronger military leadership and more experienced soldiers. The North's willingness to fight on unfamiliar territory and invade the South ultimately led to victory.
The South's Role in the War
The South also played a vital role in the Civil War. The South's advantages in fighting on home turf and its strong military leadership helped it to win several major battles. The South's motivation and its soldiers' willingness to fight also contributed to the South's success. However, the South's disadvantages in population, industry, and infrastructure ultimately led to its defeat.
The Civil War's Legacy
The Civil War left a lasting legacy on the United States. The war ended slavery, reunited the country, and set the stage for the growth of the United States as a major world power. The war also resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 Americans. The Civil War is still studied today because of its profound impact on the United States.