2006-12-11 03:46:58 · 8 answers · asked by tinabug 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
The confederates will basically fighting a defensive war. Starting a new government and outfitting an army as you can imagine was quite a task. Defensive wars seldom work - check out Iraq and Vietnam. You lose troops, supplies, and means to supply (such as industry). Eventually you cannot continue. Fighting a war must be positive to have success. The Confederates eventually realized this when Lee invaded the North. He was stopped at Gettsburg. Poorly supplied, fed, and clothe, the Confederates could not do more.
2006-12-11 04:00:23 · answer #1 · answered by ThePerfectStranger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I presume you're talking after the Battle of Bull Run....which is the only time the confederates "may" have had a chance to make a run at DC. Unfortunately, for them, they were to disorganized to pursue the union troops.
After other victories, such as Chancelorsville, the union had too many troops between the rebel army and DC. the short answer: the south had too few troops to pursue the union troops and capture DC. The two invasions of the north ended in defeat, Gettysgurg and Antietam. (Actually antietam was pretty much a stalemate.
Toward the end of the war, Jubal Early caused a little consternation by attacking DC, but his little force wasn't strong enough.
2006-12-11 13:27:24 · answer #2 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a good answer- the Confederates knew they could never hold the city, so why waiste men and materials which were in such short supply? Some argued at the time that it would be a blow to the morale of the North, but that's a doubtful military position at best.
2006-12-11 12:03:33 · answer #3 · answered by adphllps 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After First Manassas the Confederate troops, new to battle, were tired and disorganized. It's traditionally difficult to maintain momentum or switch to persuit even with experienced troops.
2006-12-11 12:53:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sheer exhaustion prevented the Confederates from pursuing the fleeing enemy and capitalizing on their triumph.
Custer was at the front during this battle and was still at the front near Appomattox when he accepted Lee's flag of surrender.
2006-12-11 12:03:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"the confederattes "?? A southern cheerleading squad?
2006-12-11 12:37:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were outnumbered, outgunned and outsupplied
2006-12-11 12:18:08 · answer #7 · answered by jefferson 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were fighting a defesive war.
2006-12-11 11:51:14 · answer #8 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋