American Civil War

American Civil War

Causes of the civil war

The first and foremost reason of the war was the issue of slavery. The next most important reason was the discord prevalent over the rights of the states, and the war was basically fought to decide whether America was a federation or a confederation. The North felt that America was a federation and states could not leave the country, while the South thought the opposite (Pitcaithley, 2002).

The moral outrage over the South's inhumanely treatment of the slaves also paved the way for the war. The issue of 'states rights' had not been resolved by the constitution and calls for secession started appearing much before the Kentucky and Virginia resolves of 1795 or the Hartford Convention of 1814.

The issue of slavery was became increasingly politicized. As a result, the Republican Party that was formed in 1848 resolved to limit slavery. The issue of slavery also divided the Democratic Party in 1860, which led to the victory of the Republic party. The South immediately decided to secede from the union following the election of Abraham Lincoln (Pitcaithley, 2002).

Southern leaders felt they could win the War

The Southern states were led with the belief that the North would not go to the extent of fighting a war to preserve the union. Even if they did go to a war, the South anticipated that the north would lack the dedication or the resolve to fight the war. This they felt was the case because the South was not threatening their way of life or economy. The South was successful initially in raising large number of troops for the war which compelled them to think that they were going to win the war (Handlin, 1961).

The Southern leaders felt that they had superior soldiers and better military leadership. They felt that they had the best of the military minds that would lead them to a victory. This was true as the Southern soldiers did have soldiers who were better trained, exposed to the wilder environment and used to military hardship. The South also felt that the international community such as England would come to their assistance and recognize them as a separate country. This would give them the legitimacy to continue with their rule. However, this did not happen, but the Southern leaders kept thinking that they would gain international support through their production of cotton (Handlin, 1961).

The Southern leaders felt that they were at an advantage as the war was being fought at their home. This home field advantage, they felt would help them to win the war as they were better aware of the terrain and physical landscape if the area. The Southern leaders also failed to realize the better industrial capability of the North. Also that the North had better industrial facilities that could support their war did not become evident till the later stages of the war. All these reasons led the Southern leaders to believe that they could win the war (Handlin, ...