Comparing The Challenges Of Total War For The North And South During The Civil War

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American History - Final This paper will explore the challenges of “total war” for the North and South during the Civil War and what impact the war had on society. The Civil War also known as” the war between the states” began in the spring of 1861 when the Confederate army attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The war developed because of long standing issues people had with slavery and state’s rights. The Civil War was considered to be one of America’s most deadliest and first “true industrial war.” Railroads, steam ships, and telegraph system were used extensively during the war. There were also mass productions of military items for the troops, such as clothing and …show more content…

The women during the war ran the family's business, farms, and plantations. Some of the North's women began working outside their home in the factories. The North and South initially had volunteers to fight the war, but as the war continued volunteers became less due to returning home, etc., so individuals had to be drafted to help fight the war. The Northern states had a larger population than the Southern states during that period, so the North's army was much larger. Some sources say the ratio was 2 to 1. President Lincoln in 1863 issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves. Some of these slaves went on to help fight the war, by enlisting in the Union’s armies. Nutrition was a challenge for both armies during their travels. The soldier’s diet usually consisted of bread, known as "hardtack," cornmeal, salt pork and if they were fortune enough some fruits and vegetables that were scavenged during their travels. The North had a slightly better diet and more food available than the …show more content…

Even though a large number of soldiers died in battle, a greater number of soldiers died of diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, and typhoid. The war also had many firsts, some of these firsts were the battles between iron clad ships, black sailors, and soldiers, income taxes, the military draft, and multiple ethnic groups participating in the war and the use of quinine to treat typhoid fever. Shortly after the assassination of President Lincoln in the spring of 1865 the Civil War finally ended in Virginia, when General Lee surrounded to General Grant at the Appomattox Court House. The Civil War impacted society in a variety of areas. Some the areas that were impacted were: 1. Communication - Communication was expanded by increased use of the mail delivery and telegraph systems. 2. Cultural – The slaves was recognize with Emancipation Day. The soldiers were recognized with Memorial Day, in addition to multiple battlefield

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