The role of border states in determining union victory during the Civil War

Civil War

Would the union still have won the civil war if the Border States separated?

The union would have still won if the Border States separated. During the Civil War the Border States, Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, were not critical to the unions victory over the confederates.

Unfortunately, our modern society has been marred with war and strife over its eventful lifespan. A civil disagreement, when accompanied by mass offenses, often ends with deadly war. Throughout history, many nations have been unable to solve their personal grievances with one another in a diplomatic manner. In many instances are solves through protest, boycotts and other contentious means. However, in some instances, society elects the worst possible alternative, which is often war. In retrospect, wars have been fought for many worthwhile causes, even by today's standards. Wars have been fought over liberty, injustice, the potential threat to national security and more. However, no war is more damaging than those that are civil. Brother against brother, father against father, neighbor against neighbor. These are often the most bitter of wars simply because they are so personal and contentious. As is the case with the American Civil War of 1861-1865, the varying degrees of hatred and disagreement resulting in massive deaths. Due primarily to the civil nature of the war, many lives were lost in an unnecessary and often brutal manner (Curry, 1964).

The civil war was significant because it was civil in nature. The United States was, at the time, very divided, and at war with itself. This may seem odd in today's standards; however the south did not want to give up its economic prosperity at the time. Abraham Lincoln, a notable leader throughout this process heavily opposed slavery in all United States territories. However, James Buchanan, Lincoln's opposition heavily opposed such a contentious issue (Allen, 2009). Naturally, both leaders gathered massive amounts of support. The more support each leader garnered, the more entrenched each position became. As a result of the unwavering resolve of both men, a civil war erupted.

The civil war was also unique as it was the first to extensively utilize industrial technology. For instance, both the Union and the Confederates heavily used railroads to seamlessly transport goods to their respective parties. Both sides, through modern innovations in manufacturing were able to mass produce weapons and other forms of military weaponry. Both sides were able to produce steamships which provided naval support to the land troops. Due primarily to this industrialized war, the deep hatred manifested by those participating in the war, nearly 750,000 people died. This, at the time was one of the most deadly wars ever, in the history of mankind. Ulysses S. Grant was the primary commander of the Union army. It is estimated that under his leadership 30% of all the Confederate members were killed in war. His superior manpower and war knowledge gave the north advantages relative to its southern counterparts. This advantage existed even without the aid of Border States. In addition, Robert E. Lee was the commander of the confederate army. Lee is currently considered one of the best military minds of all time (Weigley, 2000). Both men were masterful in their approach, which partially contributed to the four-year battle between the North and South. Notable battles such as those fought at Antietam and Gettysburg, are forever imprinting in modern history books. The battle of Antietam was very important as it prevented the British from intervening of the South's behalf. The British reframed due primarily to the North's economic influence. This was another advantage of the North relative to the South. The south relied heavily on commodities such as cotton to create economic value for the region. The north however used manufacturing, and industrialization as its means of economic development. This influence of industrialization provided the North with numerous advantages in the war. For one, the north could transport goods and services fast and more cost efficiently than its southern counterparts (Keegan, 2001). In addition, industrialization provided the means for the north to mass produce weapons, armaments, and defenses more efficiently than the south. These advantages ultimately led to a victory for the north. The Border States only helped to facilitate the North's advantages. The Border States did not create them. In addition, the south because of their reliance on commodities and crops were primarily farmers before the war. This was a distinct disadvantage as the south had to train farmers into soldiers in a very small amount of time. These farmers ultimately could not compete with the more polished northern soldiers. Furthermore, because the south relied extensively on cotton exports, the north had the ability to halt economic development through its superior navy (Surdam, 2001). The north with its industrialized economy used a blockade to stifle economic development in the region. As such, the south could not export many of its products to other neighboring countries such as Europe (Whitsell, 1963).

These advantages ultimately led to the battle at Vicksburg which split the confederate army into two distinct parties. Again the north had a superior advantage in manpower and intellect. Through this separation, the Union army was better able to combat a weaker confederate army. Both Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman eventually destroy both armies after they were split at the Mississippi river. The superior manpower of both parties ultimately thwarted the southern efforts in the region. Through all the aftermath, the war resulted in over 1 million casualties, 50,000 civilian deaths, and over 675,000 soldier deaths. Nearly 3% of the entire United States population was injured in the war. In particular, many of the nations youngest and hardest working individuals died due to their involvement in the war (McPherson, 2010).

The north, even without the aid of Border States had far superior technology, manpower, and economic circumstances. The south, as alluded to earlier relied extensively on cotton and other commodity products. The north, however had extensive technological know how, combined with better railroad development to support innovation in the territory. Generally speaking, the north was also better educated while the south relied extensively on farming and agriculture. As such, the disorderly nature of the south allowed the north, with its superior technology, education, and manpower to overtake the region. For example, during the war, the North had 2,100,000 soldiers as compared with the south that had only 1 million soldiers. The population of the north was 22 million while the south only had 9 million. 90% of the manufacturing and arms production was conducted in the north with the remaining being conducted in the south. A disadvantage for the north was the lack or territorial awareness. In many instances, many battles were fought in the southern region of the country. This provided the south with an advantage as it was better able to navigate the terrain. However, this advantage soon wilted away as the north with is superior manpower quickly overtook the southern region of the country at the Mississippi river.