Analytical Essay: The War In The West
The War in the East-
The war was largely fought in the eastern portion of the country. The majority of Americans lived in this region as well. People experienced the war, and its cost, first hand. The war opened with the firing on Fort Sumter and ended with the surrender at a courthouse in Appomattox, Virginia. This region was the most developed in the nation and saw a massive movement of men and material across the main fronts. Invasions and forays into enemy territory were common due to the proximity to the enemy. The North focused on taking the South capitol city, Richmond. The South mainly fought to organize and prove themselves able to resister the invaders of their territory.
The War in the West-
The War in the West was vital to
both sides of the conflict. The western territory that both sides held would control the flow of resources from the rich western territory. The Mississippi River also allowed large parts of the North and South the access the Gulf of Mexico and the ocean for vital trade. Much of the fighting in this region was done along the rivers and supply routes.
Naval Warfare and Blockade-
A key part of the Union’s plan for defeating the South was a complete blockade of its ports. The South had limited industrial capabilities so a lot of what they needed had to be imported. The South’s main income came from cotton exports as well, so the blockade would largely cut the South off from vital funds to continue the war effort. The South did not have a sizeble navy, so blockade running was common during the war. The North and the South tried to develop new technologies, like the Ironclads, to either reinforce or break the blockades.
Victory for the North-
The conflict largely became a war of attrition. While Union casualties were higher, the South had a much smaller population. The South’s economy was devastated by the blockade and invading Federal troops as well. Faced with soaring inflation, dwindling manpower, and lack of an economic base to recover, surrender was inevitable for the Confederacy.
The war was largely fought in the eastern portion of the country. The majority of Americans lived in this region as well. People experienced the war, and its cost, first hand. The war opened with the firing on Fort Sumter and ended with the surrender at a courthouse in Appomattox, Virginia. This region was the most developed in the nation and saw a massive movement of men and material across the main fronts. Invasions and forays into enemy territory were common due to the proximity to the enemy. The North focused on taking the South capitol city, Richmond. The South mainly fought to organize and prove themselves able to resister the invaders of their territory.
The War in the West-
The War in the West was vital to
both sides of the conflict. The western territory that both sides held would control the flow of resources from the rich western territory. The Mississippi River also allowed large parts of the North and South the access the Gulf of Mexico and the ocean for vital trade. Much of the fighting in this region was done along the rivers and supply routes.
Naval Warfare and Blockade-
A key part of the Union’s plan for defeating the South was a complete blockade of its ports. The South had limited industrial capabilities so a lot of what they needed had to be imported. The South’s main income came from cotton exports as well, so the blockade would largely cut the South off from vital funds to continue the war effort. The South did not have a sizeble navy, so blockade running was common during the war. The North and the South tried to develop new technologies, like the Ironclads, to either reinforce or break the blockades.
Victory for the North-
The conflict largely became a war of attrition. While Union casualties were higher, the South had a much smaller population. The South’s economy was devastated by the blockade and invading Federal troops as well. Faced with soaring inflation, dwindling manpower, and lack of an economic base to recover, surrender was inevitable for the Confederacy.