Reasons for Secession Political scales against them Triumph of Republican party Barrage of Free-soil criticisms North interfering with lifestyle Immense debt to Northern creditors Dependence on Northern banking, shipping and trade North would not oppose departure

What were the sections fighting for? South States’ Rights Slavery and right to preserve it. Social & economic lifestyle based on cotton Could not survive in same nation with manu/trading North North Union should be stronger than any 1 state/group of states A government est. by the Constitution A perpetual union

Southern Advantages 1. On own soil 2. Talented officers 3. Raised w/ horses/guns 4. “King Cotton” Northern Advantages 1. Economy 2. Population 3. ¾’s of nation’s wealth 4. ¾’s of nation’s RR 5. Army/navy existed Weaknesses 1. Scarcity of factories 2. Shortage of food/supplies 3. Poor RR system 4. Stagnant economic sys Weaknesses 1. Inexp soldiers & military leaders 2. Had to invade South/drag it back

Southern Strategies Hold on until North grew tired of war and agreed to a separate country Surprise attacks on North whenever possible Counted on foreign aid - especially GB

Northern Strategies Gain control of Mississippi River and cut South in half Blockade Southern ports Capture Richmond, Confederate capital

New Union Goals Suffocate South by blockading coast Liberate the slaves Cut Confederacy in ½ by gaining control of the Mississippi Chop Confederacy into pieces Decapitate Confederacy by capturing Richmond Grind enemy into submission