Before the Battle of Gettysburg:
1. Perception of Victory: The South had won several significant battles early in the war, and many Southerners believed that victory was within reach. They were optimistic about their chances of achieving independence from the Union.
2. Economic Struggles: The Southern economy was already facing challenges due to the war. The Union's blockade of Southern ports disrupted trade, leading to shortages of essential goods. The South also experienced inflation and a decline in agricultural production.
3. Slavery and States' Rights: The preservation of slavery and states' rights remained central issues for the Confederacy. The South feared that an abolitionist victory would threaten their social and economic systems.
4. Military Strategy: Confederate General Robert E. Lee's strategy at Gettysburg was to launch a bold offensive to seize the initiative from the Union Army. He believed that a decisive victory would strengthen the Confederacy's position and potentially end the war on favorable terms.
After the Battle of Gettysburg:
1. Turning Point in the War: The Battle of Gettysburg ended in a significant defeat for the Confederacy. Union victory boosted the morale of Northern troops and gave the Union Army the upper hand in the war.
2. Decline in Southern Morale: The defeat at Gettysburg shattered the South's confidence and optimism. Many Southerners, including soldiers and civilians, began to lose hope in the Confederacy's ability to win the war.
3. Intensification of the Conflict: Gettysburg marked a shift in the nature of the war. The conflict became more brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. This trend continued until the end of the war.
4. Strengthening the Union: The victory at Gettysburg gave the Union a strategic advantage and allowed them to maintain control of key areas. It improved President Abraham Lincoln's position both domestically and internationally.
5. Continued Resistance: Despite the defeat, the South did not surrender immediately. They continued to fight for nearly two more years, demonstrating the resilience of the Confederate cause.
6. Impact on Slavery and Reconstruction: Gettysburg contributed to the growing sentiment in the North that the war could not be won without addressing the issue of slavery. This led to the Emancipation Proclamation and eventually to the abolition of slavery in the United States. The aftermath of the battle also shaped the Reconstruction policies that followed the war.
In conclusion, the Battle of Gettysburg had a profound impact on the South. It shifted the course of the war in the Union's favor, damaged Southern morale, and contributed to the ultimate defeat of the Confederacy.