History of South America

Why did the South think they needed to win quickly?

The South needed to win quickly because they lacked significant industry, financial institutions, and manufacturing capabilities. While the South had abundant cotton plantations, their economy depended heavily on slavery.

In contrast, the North possessed more factories, banks, shipping ports, and access to raw materials such as iron, coal, and wheat. This economic power enabled the North to mobilize massive armies, manufacture weapons, and sustain a protracted conflict. Therefore, a swift victory was crucial for the South to avoid the North's industrial and logistical advantages from overwhelming them in a prolonged war.