Compare And Contrast Civil War And Confederate

At the beginning of the Civil War, the Union’s advantages of a greater population and better industrial economy was perceived as though they were on a level far above that of the Confederacy. Though the Union did have the upper hand in those elements, the Confederacy had better trained officers who harnessed superior decision-making skills and battle tactics. While the North held distinct advantages economically, their one glaring deficiency was in its military.
When the war began, the Union held 23 states totaling a population of 22 million, while the Confederacy held only 9 states with a population of 9 million, and approximately 4 million of them were slaves. The Union armies outnumbered Confederate armies by a ratio of 2-to-1, roughly.

The Confederate states produced 7% of the nation's manufactured goods, while the Union made 97% or the firearms and 96% of the railroad equipment. Southern railroads were short and were not connected, meaning that transportation was a struggle for Southern states. Due to the North’s abundance of factories, it was rare for them to run out of materials, unlike the South who constantly had shortages in shoes, uniforms, blankets, clothing, and food. Northern railroads allowed for easy transportation for soldiers, food, and artillery during the course of the Civil War. The South’s lack of control over the railroads made it difficult for their soldiers to travel

They also had the upper-hand in that they were fighting a defensive battle on their own land; they had an outline of the battlefield, unlike the Union forces, who went in blind before each battle. Confederate generals were better in their battle tactics and their decision making. One of the most well known Southern generals is Robert E. Lee. Lee was known for his commanding presence, was a graduate from West Point, and led by example. Lee’s decision making skills were presented when he was appointed as the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia after General Joseph Johnston suffered from injury. Lee attacked the opposing side — Union Generals McClellan and Pope, and their forces—along with another general, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Ultimately, Lee forced the Union forces to retreat after defeating the two Union generals and led the Confederacy to a major victory at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was another significant Confederate war general. He, too, was a graduate of West Point and had also served in the Mexican-American war. Jackson was considered a war-hero from the Mexican-American war due to his bravery. Jackson’s superb decision-making skills were demonstrated in the First Battle of Bull Run, when Jackson ordered his forces to charge ahead to bridge a gap in the defensive line against a Union assault. Aside from the