communication & transport (ACW)

• Other than the Northern blockade how were the delivery of supplies hindered and how did this affect the nature of the war?

  The South had a lack of railroads to deliver supplies with just 9000 vs 22000 the North had. On top of this the North's rail system was interstate and the Souths was not so it was hard to go from state to state. This affected the nature because the lack/struggle with supplies shortened how long the war could continue
• How did transport affect the nature of warfare?

  Steamships/railways meant soldiers could be moved greater distances at greater speeds. For example during the ACW which was fought over a vast geographic area – Grant was able to send 23,000 troops by rail at 15 x the speed of marching over 1200 miles to Chattanooga which helped secure a victory for the Union forces.
• How did Grant use steamboats?

  In his Vicksburg campaign of 1862-63 to control the Mississippi river which was the main river transportation route of the confederacy. Capture meant the confederates would be split in 2 as Vicksburg was an area on the river. Used steamboats to supply the army and move troops- it could carry 500 tons of supplies enough to feed 40,000 troops and 18,000 horses for 2 days. He used them to overcome the strong fortification by surrounding and sieging the city until the force of 35,000 confederates surrendered
• How did Grant use steamships in his 1864 campaign?

  He aimed to take the confederate capital Richmond by besieging the city of Petersburg, south of Richmond, which was only able to be sustained because the vast Union army of 100,000 men were supplied through city point by steamships from the James River. As a result both Petersburg and Richmond were abandoned
• Why was it important to have good transport links?

  Due to the vast scale of the conflict (over 680 miles)-the extensive use of railways provided this, as did control of the Mississippi river
• Why does the fact many battles were fought nearby key rail centres eg Chattanooga, Atlanta, Nashville?

  Shows importance both sides placed on rail links
• How had a far more effective railway network?

  The North- this was used to transport men, resources, artillery, for reconnaissance etc. Possessed 2/3rds of US’s railways
• Southern effective use of railways?

  During first Battle of Bull Run which persuaded the North to emulate
• What does the appointment of General McCallum show?

  He was a railway engineer so shows importance they placed on having strong, efficient railway links
• How was Sherman’s march to the sea sustained?

  The rail provided resources- the 761km track did the work of 37,000 wagons and 220,000 miles according to Sheman
• What did the Anaconda plan rely on?

  The use of steam boats to wage the stranglehold to try and starve the south out the war
• What did the North rely on?

  Ships to wage economic warfare on the South by strangling their trade
• Prior to steamships what would the Mississippi been viewed as?

  A natural defence for the confederates. The advent of steamships opened it up as a gateway for union forces
• How significant were developments in transport in the ACW?

  It’s clear steamboats were vital in waging, supplying and sustaining this type of war. They allowed the crucial sieges to sustain, putting pressure on the confederates, and it gave them alternative ways to win eg Vicksburg
• How effective was the Norths blockade of the south?

  Not as effective as it first seems- they had to police a 3500 miles coastline
• How can it be argued weaponry and QS were the main reasons for victory?

  Yes though advantages in technology/transport enabled the North to make this count
• Can the disillusionment of the Southern army take credit away from the importance of railways/steamboats in the Northern victory?

  Possibly- there was an issue of morale in the Southern force. They weren’t willing to make the necessary sacrifices in order to win (this could be down to a lack of nationalism, lack of belief in the cause or due to damage caused by the economic and financial situation)