Comparing North & South

President: Abraham Lincoln

President: Jefferson Davis

• Nickname: Yankees, Billy Yank

• 24 States- More man power

• Fighting to preserve the Union...Later to end slavery

• Nickname- Rebels, Rebs, Johnny Reb

• 11 States- Fewer Men

• Fighting to be independent and "preserve a way of life 

Code Name – “Anaconda Plan”

Naval blockade to prevent the transport of goods and people

Gain control of the Mississippi River,  which would split the Confederacy in half

Capture Richmond, Virginia (capital)

• Defensive position—defend home territory only and OUTLAST the North

• Withhold cotton from the foreign market in order to force Britain and France to help and support the Confederates.

• Weak motivation, not fighting for a cause

• Unaggressive officers – failed to press advantages

• Far from home, resulting in poor communications and a long supply line

• 3500-mile enemy coastline, hard to blockade

•  Vast land – could conquer but not hold territory

• European aid to the Confederacy

• Jefferson Davis was a questionable leader. He would not listen to his generals and he had a temper! 

• Population 9 million, 3.5 million of which were slaves

• Lack of factories to produce medicine, clothing, weapons, and shoes!

• Smaller population = fewer soldiers = they are going to run out of men to fight in the war

• Limited access to railroads to quickly move troops and supplies

• Superior leadership of Abraham Lincoln

• Larger population: 22 million…more men to fight

• 81% of the nation’s factories were in the north, which means they were able to produce supplies and weapons needed by the army

• Three-fourths more railroads to move troops and supplies

•  Controlled 75% of the nation’s wealth

• Had a navy and controlled shipping!

• Outstanding generals with military experience

• Strong motivation

• Fighting on home ground, familiar with territory

• Skilled with guns and horses because of rural experiences

• Cotton can be exchanged on the world market for weapons and manufactured goods