1. Reasons for secession Political scales balanced against South Triumph of Republican Party threatened rights as slaveholding minority Free soil criticisms of South No. interference with So. Lifestyle Immense debt to No. creditors Cast aside dependence on No & develop own banking, shipping, and trade w/ Europe w/o tariffs North would not oppose departure

2. Southern Rationale Feelings of “nationalism” Principle of self-determination Colonies entered union voluntarily/ could voluntarily leave union Against King Abe Lincoln

3. Strengths South Fighting on own soil Talented officers Raised with horses and guns “King Cotton”…trade with England North Economy Population ¾’s of nations wealth ¾’s of nation’s RR Army/navy already existed

4. Weaknesses –South Scarcity of factories Shortage of supplies Shortage of food Poor RR system Stagnant economic system North Inexperienced soldiers Inexperienced military leaders

5. What were sections fighting for? South States’ rights Slavery and right to preserve it Social and economic lifestyle North Union should be stronger than any one state or group of states Government established by the Constitution An end to slavery

6. Strategies for winning the war –South Hold on until North grew tired of war & agreed to a separate country Surprise attacks Foreign aid –North Gain control of Mississippi River Blockade Southern ports Capture Confederate capital - Richmond