Civil War Strategies
The general working strategy of the Union Army during the American Civil War was built upon hope of Union support in the South, as well as the ability to overwhelm the Southern armies with the superior Northern resources and man power (Smith). Union forces were concentrated at points of Confederate weakness in attempts to invade and reclaim Confederate territories (Smith). This was the same basic strategy employed by the British Army during the American Revolution; superior resources used against those points where the enemy is weakest proved effective for much of that battle and throughout the course of military history (McPherson). Continued pressure on the Southern forces was also meant to draw out Union sympathizers in greater numbers in proving the Union's commitment to the cause (Smith).
Southern strategy was not as unified as Jefferson Davis would have liked. He also favored a strategy used in the Revolutionary War -- that of winning by not losing; like Washington, Jefferson wished to concentrate forces in important areas and allow for small losses that would prolong the war (McPherson). The belief was that eventually the North would have to give up, as long as the South could maintain a unified defense (McPherson). The Confederate Army was not well organized in the beginning, however, and the widespread and largely independent militias defending the Confederate borders were stretched too thin in places, allowing the Union Army to break through (McPherson). Technological advancements had large effects on the strategies of both the Union and Confederate armies as well.
The railroad was one of the most important advancements of the time; it was used to ship troops and supplies, and the destruction of railroad lines was common practice by both armies.
References
McPherson, James. Battle Cry of Freedom. Accessed 10 May 2009. http://www.civilwarhome.com/confederatestrategy.htm
Smith, Page. Trial By Fire, A People's History of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Accessed 10 May 2009. http://www.civilwarhome.com/unionstrategy.htm
