Exploring the Civil War's onset with the Battle of First Manassas and Confederate military strategies, this overview examines the South's initial confidence, the shift from defensive to offensive-defensive tactics, and the reliance on 'King Cotton' diplomacy. It also delves into the Union's Anaconda Plan, the Confederacy's war of attrition hopes, and the eventual collapse of Southern strategies, leading to surrender and historical analysis of their strategic failures.
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The Confederacy's initial military strategy was to defend their territory and fight only when necessary
Vital Point Defense
The Confederacy focused on defending important locations and attacking when advantageous
Limited Resources
Due to limited resources, the Confederacy had to adapt to an offensive-defensive strategy
The Confederacy relied on "King Cotton" diplomacy and expected European intervention, but this strategy ultimately failed
The Union's Anaconda Plan involved cutting off Confederate trade by blockading Southern ports
The Union's goal of controlling the Mississippi River was a critical component in isolating and pressuring the Confederacy
The Union's Anaconda Plan led to resource shortages and a decline in morale for the Confederacy
The Confederacy's strategy of wearing down the Union's will to fight underestimated the Union's determination, which was only strengthened by the Emancipation Proclamation
States' Rights and Central Government
The Confederacy's commitment to states' rights hindered the central government's ability to effectively tax and conscript soldiers
Contentious Draft
The draft, which exempted slave owners, fueled perceptions of inequality and led to internal dissent within the Confederacy
A combination of Union military successes and internal factors led to a breakdown in Southern morale, ultimately contributing to the Confederacy's defeat
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First major land battle of the Civil War
The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the Battle of First Manassas, marked the first major land battle.
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Initial Confederate victory impact
The Confederate victory at Manassas led to a disorderly Union retreat and boosted Southern morale.
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Confederate military strategy post-Manassas
After Manassas, the Confederacy adopted a strategy combining defensive operations with selective offensives.
