He delivered several famous speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, which helped to frame the conflict as a struggle for freedom and liberty rather than just a war to preserve the Union. He also played a key role in maintaining the support of the Northern public and Congress, helping to sustain the war effort despite significant losses and setbacks.įinally, Lincoln’s powerful oratory and writing skills helped to inspire the Union cause and to rally the country behind him. This was part of General Winfield Scott’s “Anaconda Plan” which used the navy to blockade the entire southern coast & waterways, thus strangling their supplies and resources. Lincoln also showed great strategic acumen, recognizing the importance of controlling the Mississippi River and its tributaries and making this a top priority for the Union war effort. Sherman, who effectively led Union forces to victory on the battlefield. Lincoln’s most important contribution was his ability to choose and support capable military leaders. He demonstrated remarkable determination and tenacity, never losing sight of his goal of preserving the Union and ending slavery. Lincoln served as the commander-in-chief throughout the war and made many crucial decisions that helped to steer the Union to victory. Lincoln and McClellan in 1862 The leadership of LincolnĪbraham Lincoln’s leadership was a major factor in the Union’s victory in the American Civil War. In 1861, 22,000 miles of track had been laid in the Northern states, while just 9,500 miles had been laid in the South – the advantage provided by the railroads was a key factor in the Union’s eventual victory. In contrast, the Confederate army often could not access the supplies it needed due to Union control of the railroads and the lack of effective transportation infrastructure in the South. The railroads also made it easier for the Union to supply their troops with food, ammunition, and other necessities, allowing them to sustain their army for longer periods. The Union was able to use the railroads to transport troops to the front lines, bring in reinforcements, and evacuate wounded soldiers. The railroads also allowed the Union to coordinate their actions and respond to Confederate movements more efficiently. The railways allowed the Union to quickly move troops and supplies to where they were needed, facilitating a more effective war effort. Clark have focused on the central importance of railroad superiority in winning the war. This is why historians such as William G. However, the impact of the railroads cannot be overstated – they played a significant role in helping the Union win the war. Train travel was still in its infancy during the American Civil War. These superior resources allowed the North to sustain a longer and more effective war effort. Additionally, the Union had a stronger navy, which helped them control the waterways and blockade Confederate ports, limiting the South’s ability to import supplies abroad. The Union also had a better transportation system, including more railroads, making moving troops and supplies easier (more on this below). The North had a population of around 24 million, and the South had a population of just 9 million (of which 4 million were enslaved people). This included more factories and industrial infrastructure, which allowed them to produce more weapons and supplies.Ī much larger population was also at the disposal of the Union. The Union had several advantages in resources that helped them win the American Civil War. If you want to expand your own knowledge of Civil War history, please consider joining us for one of our Civil War Tours in Virginia.Ī railway gun being used during the siege of Petersburg The disparity of resources The following blog will discuss some of the core reasons the Union achieved victory in 1865. The Confederacy was also divided by internal conflicts and lacked a strong central government.Īs with most military history, the question of how the war was ultimately won, or lost, inspires much debate. The Confederacy (or the South) had fewer resources and was essentially an agrarian-based economy, which made it harder to sustain a long war. Moreover, the Union’s decision to abolish slavery and the support of abolitionists in the North were essential factors in the Union’s success. The main reasons for the Union’s victory were its superior resources (including manpower), transportation, and industrial capacity, as well as the effective leadership of President Abraham Lincoln and the military strategies of General Ulysses S. The Union (also known as the North) won the American Civil War.
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