total war (ACW)

• How did production impact the outcome of ACW?


  The Norths victory was because they had 6x the factories of the South and produced 97% of firearms in 1860. The North's ability to wage total war with their scorched earth policies was a big reason for victory in 1865. Although it must be acknowledged Grant was central to this approach he wouldn't have been able to wage an attritional war as effectively had the North not had such an economical and industrial advantage
• Was it a total war?

  many argue it didn't have the characteristics of total warfare but some think it is- on the whole no it's not
• Civilians as enemies?


  From 1862 onwards Northern strategy was to target civilians just as much as armies- in a bid to wear down the will of the South Northern forces proposed to occupy land, destroy property and control the economy through naval blockade, and undermine the will of people to support the war effort
• Conscription?


  1862 South, 1863 North
• State control?


  Northern political aims tried to impose widescale social change on the people eg from 1863 onwards any slaves freed from the South would be free men. As a result 180,000 Afro-Americans joined teh Northern army
• Scale of carnage?


  General Sherman aimed to destroy Southern territory and civilian property with March to the Sea and scorch earth tactics. These tactics had increasing impact compared to the FRW
• North's ability to make necessary sacrifices to achieve victory?


  Public opinion remained strong (Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address). Meant less draft dodgers
• General publics involvement?


  They bought $2.6 million in war bonds which helps them win as they can finance the war to the end