Union’s advantages and disadvantages, Confederates, and turning points of the American Civil War

Union’s advantages and disadvantages, Confederates, and turning points of the American Civil War

Introduction

The Civil War is one of the United States most influential periods in history. Its Northern Union faced off with the Southern Confederates earning a victory for the former. Each side enjoyed advantage and disadvantages. However, this essay provides the Union’s advantages and disadvantages, as well as the Confederates, before providing two turning points of the American Civil War.

Advantages and Disadvantages for both the Union and Confederacy

The first advantage of the Union to its members was the combination of resources into one formidable unit. Human resources, purpose, and equipment came together into one united force that focused its efforts on the enemies leading to a massive defeat for them. Such unity was an essential factor in the formation of the Union which lead to a considerable increase in the number of soldiers that could overpower their enemies.

Another advantage of the Union was the formation of a unified military base from which to manage the vast resource pool of human resources and equipment. Previously, the Union had faced several defeats based on its having enormous resources but lacking a unified military approach to their management. However, the combined military base made sure orders and strategies came together with the vast pool of resources to create victory.

While the Union enjoyed various advantages, it also suffered some disadvantages. First, they lacked the motivation that Confederacy soldiers had. Most of them were participating in a war to prevent the oppressive Southerners from taking over their territory. Additionally, their decision to move into unfamiliar Southern territory cost them dearly as this territory was not favorable to them.

On the other hand, the Confederacy enjoyed several significant advantages that served them in the Civil War. First, most of them had previous experience in the Mexican wars making them outstanding soldiers. Additionally, the majority of these Southern soldiers were familiar with the Southern territories in which the majority of the Civil War occurred. Such familiarity proved to be an advantage to them, unlike the Union soldiers who suffered greatly.

While the Confederacy enjoyed several advantages, their war effort did also face some disadvantages. First, they lacked the charismatic, experienced, and military-minded leadership that the Union enjoyed. Jefferson David was not as skilled and strategic as Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, the Confederacy suffered from a general lack of human resources relative to their military equipment. It has approximated that the ratio of guns to men was 32:1, meaning they had more weapons than soldiers. They also had internal strife among themselves as the Southern states differed. Some of their leaders had political ambitions while other viewed the Civil War as an opportunity for economic gain.

Turning Points for American Civil War

The first turning point in the American Civil War was the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s forces were advancing on the North near the Potomac River in Pennsylvania. President Abraham Lincoln learned about the discrete advance and sent in Union forces under Maj. General George Meade. The Battle that ensued cost the Confederates many soldiers as well as their will to invade the North again providing the Union with a turning point for victory.

Chancellorsville’s Battle in 1861 provides another turning point for the American Civil War. Union General Joseph Hooker faced an army that was less than half in size compared to his led by Confederate Gen Lee. General Robert E. Lee’s strategy of dividing his army for tactical advantage won him one of his and the Confederate’s most crucial battle victories. The death of Lt. General Stonewall Jackson also influenced this victory.

Conclusion

The Civil War was one of the United States most influential periods pitting the Union in the North against the Confederates in the South. The North enjoyed advantages such as better military organization and more resources. However, suffered from lack of familiarity with Southern territory and low morale. Confederates enjoyed familiarity with Southern terrain but lacked an excellent military leader. However, other factors such as the Battles of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville provided turning points for the war.