Could the South have won the Civil War? If so, how?

Question

I'm not asking for a dissertation here, but I am just wondering if anyone feels that the South could have won and how they could have done it. And if they did win, do you think that another war would have been fought (slaves versus slaveowners?), or would the United States as we know it cease to exist?

Answer 1

You may find author Harry Turtledove's work of interest. He has written a number of books based on an alternate history of what would have happened, had the South won the war.

The South could have realistically won the war. They very nearly did. Had Jackson's survived at Antiem, for example, he might very well have attacked and taken the hill south of Gettysburg, on the first day. Historically Ewell did not attack, and has been severely criticized and blamed for the defeat at Gettysburg. This one change in history might very well have lead to a Southern victory.

Answer 2

The South could have won with a major victory in the North prior to President Lincoln's reelection. A peace candidate might have won the election and called off the war.

The South could also have won with the support of other nations. If the British had entered the war strongly on the Southern side (sent troops and Navy), the South might have won.

The South could not have won the war of attrition that was fought. The North had too much industry and a much larger population.

Answer 3

I think they could've with the help of nations such as Britain, who wanted the South to win, or if they'd won major battles early on, before they became so decimated. As for the future, I think slavery would have gone out of vogue eventually with the Industrial Revolution and more cost-effective machines. Whether our nation would have reunited, I don't know- I'm inclined to say no, cause us Southerners are pretty stubborn!

Answer 4

The south was not equipped to win that war. Too many un-educated, and poor people. They didn't have a chance.

Answer 5

Sure. All they needed were guns, food, soldiers, and ammunition.

Answer 6

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