Aim: What were the Advantages and Disadvantages of the North and the South during the Civil War? Do Now: Create a T-chart that lists the character traits of the North and the South. Then write a sentence or two about how these traits would help or hinder a nation’s ability to wage war.

North South Manufacturing Agricultural Railroads Dirt roads (Few Railroads) Industry Plantation system/ little industry Lots of people Fewer people than the north No slavery Slavery Established government Military culture Stronger/more diverse economy Cash crop/Lots of cotton Answer: Industry/Population/ Technology helped provide the north with a powerful fighting force. Answer: Rich military background led to good leadership during the war.

Setting the Stage… Having been plagued by sectional tensions since its birth, this major conflict of the American nation came to a head in 1860 with the election of President Abraham Lincoln. On the night of Lincoln’s election, South Carolina seceded from the Union, followed by the rest of the Confederate States. Soon after, Confederate forces attacked the Union base of Fort Sumter and the Civil War began. Each side had certain advantages it would attempt use against it’s opponent; however, both sides had inherent weaknesses as well.

Objectives To understand the strengths and weaknesses of the Union and Confederacy.

Immediate Cause of the Civil War The Election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Lincoln was elected without a single Southern vote. This led to the secession of South Carolina, followed by the rest of the Confederate States.

America During the Civil War

The Union Advantages Disadvantages Heavily Industrialized. Extensive Railroad tracks for transportation of goods and troops. Greater population than the South. Well-organized navy. Established Government, Abraham Lincoln as leader. Poor generals early on in the war. Low motivation. Fighting War on foreign ground, far from home. Had to WIN the war.

The Confederacy Advantages Disadvantages Highly motivated, fighting for their way of life. Home field advantage. Rich Military history and great leadership. Fighting a defensive war, all they had to do was NOT lose. Few Railroads Few Factories/ Low Industry New and Inexperienced Government.

Union and Confederate Resources, 1860