Lee, Gen. Robert E.; full-length, standing, April 1865. Photographed by Mathew B. Brady.
President Lincoln visiting the battlefield at Antietam, Md. October 3, 1862. General McClellan and 15 members of his staff are in the group. Photographed by Alexander Gardner.
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The Union and It's Dominance
In the American Civil War fought there were two sides North (Union) and South (Confederate). The South wanted slavery and the North didn’t. The North’s sole purpose was to keep the Union (U.S) as a whole and not split up. In all roughly 1,125,453 died in the bloodiest war in U.S history. Though at one point the Civil War seemed endless one side prevailed… The Union. The Union didn't have it easy as they had there fair share of weakness but they also had a strong share of advantages.
Technology, Transportation, and Industry Changes Everything; Advancements in technology, transportation, and Industry was one of the Union’s strongholds. As the war progressed a new method of mass communication was invented… The telegraph. The telegraph was utilized to the Union’s advantage as it helped relay messages to and from the front lines. Rail roads were also played a big factor in the Civil War. The Union had 20,000 miles of railroad and had controlled 70% of the countries rail system. Railroads helped the Union army travel much quicker and made the transfer of supplies more efficient. As the South was known for its agriculture the North was known for its industry. The Union had 101,000 factories compared to the Southern’s 9,000 factories. Factories fueled the Northern economy giving them an advantage in revenue, and an advantage in manufacturing. Technology, transportation, and industry change everything. Robert E. Lee and the Home-front: The Union was fighting in the Confederate’s home territory going against one of the world's most prestigious generals Robert E. Lee while going against their smaller more powerful army. The Confederates knew there territory more than anyone else which gave them the upper hand because, most of the Union soldiers weren't familiar with the Southern territory. Robert E. Lee graduated from West Point Academy which means he was a force to be reckoned with, the best of the best. Along with his smarts the Confederate Army was more skilled and trained. This can be noticed as the Union’s Mortality rate was 15.5% while the Confederates being just 12%. Even though the Union had more enlisted personnel in the army the Confederates put up a fight. Two Can Play That Game; Though the Union had a disadvantage with their military they still had more tricks up their sleeves. The Union had Abraham Lincoln, total warfare, and their superior navy. Abraham Lincoln had the political advantage as he was arguably one of the best presidents, and commander in chief. Lincoln was also recognized for his Gettysburg Address and his goal to free slaves. Total warfare was used against the Confederates. It was a tactic that was used to destroy everything in it’s path. Every town, and city the Union went through was lit on fire, looted, destroyed and ultimately causing the surrender of Robert E. Lee and Confederates. The Union also had one more key advantage...the Union had the superior navy. The Union Navy was known for there strong blockades and their strong military tactics at sea which the Confederates lacked. In conclusion, the Union had its struggles against the Confederate Army and it’s superior skills and generals. But in the end the Union’s technology, transportation, industry, political leaders, and their own military tactics land and sea proved to be the outlier… Which won them the American Civil War and which won the slaves freedom. |