22 North Versus South

Fort Sumter

The location of the first attack that marked the beginning of the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln's response to Fort Sumter

Called for 75,000 volunteers to preserve the Union.

Jefferson Davis

The newly elected president of the Confederacy who called for volunteers to defend the South.

North's Population Advantage

The North had a population of about 22 million, compared to the South's 9 million.

North's Economic Strengths

Controlled 90% of the nation's manufacturing and most banks; richer and more technologically advanced.

Geographic Advantage of the North

Had more farms, controlled the seas, and 21,000 miles of railroad track for transportation.

North's Greatest Weakness

Military leadership; many military officers resigned to join the Confederacy.

Military Leadership of the South

Strength of the South; many best military officers, including Robert E. Lee, were Southerners.

Robert E. Lee

Colonel who became commander in chief of the Confederate forces, choosing to fight for his native Virginia.

South's Geographic Disadvantages

Had to defend its territory and risked being divided by the Union control of the Mississippi River.

South's Economic Weaknesses

Agricultural economy could not support a long war, and lacked factories for military supplies.

Transportation Problems in the South

Lacked railroads needed to transport troops and supplies over long distances.

Lincoln's Belief about the Union

Believed the Union was perpetual and never to be broken.

Davis's View on States' Rights

Firm believer in states' rights, resigned from the Senate after Mississippi seceded.

Connection to American Revolution

Both Lincoln and Davis spoke of the American Revolution in context of their causes for conflict.