Explore World War II and Other Wars discussion

What were some of the advantages the North had over the South?

A book on the Army of the Potomac.

Bruce Catton

Description:
Volume I of The Army Of The Potomac trilogy, this is Bruce Catton's superb evocation of the early years of the Civil War when the army was under the command of the dashing General George B. McClellan.

Martin wrote: "What were some of the advantages the North had over the South?"

The North had a larger population, a large group of incoming immigrants both of which would help to keep the US Army ranks full. The North had an economy based on industry and the raw materials to support that economy. Combine these two and the North was unstoppable only if the will to continue the war was sustained. Which thankfully for the North the will faltered a bit at times but was never lost and Grant was the first commanding general to use his best tactic, strategy and weapon against the South, superior numbers.

Matt would you consider the state of morale among Union troops?

what's the comparison between North and South forces?
I read somewhere that in order to win you need at least 4:1 ratio where you outnumber your opponent.

I agree that North had what it took to become the winner. The South was too traditional and maybe even too proud with their 'gentleman' style. CMIIW

Well the South had a more experienced military with leadership such as General Stonewall Jackson and Generaal Lee. What the North lacked in experienced it made up in troops and equipment with a firm industrial economy to back it up.