American Way of War Myths

“Americans like fighting all-out war

“Americans like short wars”
“Americans forget war histories”

“New” American Way of War

New military strategy integrates selectivity, synchronization, and technology.

Historical Changes in Am Mil Policy

Wartime Citizen Soldiers shifted to Standing Army.
Shift in priorities from local defense to global intervention.
Shift from low cost military to exorbitant military costs.

How does one balance active soldiers (regulars) with citizen soldiers?
How do you balance the branches of military service?
How do you balance military in a nation's budget?

American Military Changes

Separate Air Force Created Sept 1947.
Dept. of Defense created (from Dept. of War)
Standing force was lower class, now represents skilled/educated soldier class.
Professional Officer Corps created
Reform causation
External Causation is reform from above, citizens overpowering military conservativism
Internal Causation is reform from within military, by mavericks or wise leadership
Attempts at Security/Liberty/Control balance
Constitutional Separation of Powers/Checks&Balances keeps military from making too many strides
President is Commander in Chief (good/bad?)
War is now prepared for, not jumped in to.
Americans in Mil Service Cliches
Ams are individualistic and undisciplined, but courageous and decisive.
Challenged Europeans idea of “training needed for a soldier to be a soldier”
Ams are natural warriors, and can overcome the stupidity of regulars
What is Military History?
Mil. Hist. Studies war and those who make it
Mil. Hist. Was the first type of recorded history
Mil. Hist. Tries to explain the past, teach lessons, and analyze current events to read future and
influence military policy
Mil Hist is utilitarianism

Military Revolution (Gunpowder Revolution)

Armies have better logistics, better organized, armed, and fed.
War is decisive (professional armies)
Food, Guns, and Warships commodities.
Armies more costly, requiring higher taxes
Revolutions in Military Affairs begins to occur (RMA)
Development of Galleys hugely important
Galleys had broadside guns and could maneuver and sail in narrow/shallow waters.
Empires begin to develop
European Warfare (1648-1789)
Practiced limited warfare, i.e. war to achieve objectives
Armies capture territory, trading rights, forts.
Military made up of standing armies of professional soldiers
Battles costly in lives, so sieges preferred.
Populous of nation separated from military affairs; no popular participation
Cities are fortified
Drilling, marching, ranking, and closed formations valued and preferred tactics.
Formations powerfully important

Frontier Warfare 1622-1763

Native americans were in a constant state of intertribal warfare
Natives fought in war bands under “war leaders”
War leaders may/may not be tribal leaders, some just exemplary warriors
Warriors could come and go to and from war bands as they saw fit
Most combat consists of raiding parties
Natives motivated by individual honor, captives, or revenge.
Native tribes may join together to form federations to fight wars against common enemies
Many native tribes forced “purification” rituals when took lives
European diseases greatly weakened native populations, reducing power and influence.

European Warfare of this era (1648-1760s) typified by “limited warfare,” brought about by 1648
Treaty of Westphalia.
Armies were full time and trained, each infantry training for 3 years, cavalry 5 years.
Battles and sieges only, the battles being bloody, and the sieges being complicated.
No popular participation.

The Origins of the Militia and Its Nature

Initial colonization was analogous to amphibious invasion.
Militia had universal male service (except PA), with most men serving 30-40 days.
Periodic musters were held, varying by region, to provide training, especially of western tactics.
Nearest centralized authority was at local levels only so local defense was first.
Colonial and Local authorities contested militia use, creating tension.
This was occurring at a time when militias were disappearing in Europe.
Each man of the militia had to pay a hefty sum for outfitting and upkeep.
Pub owners played a vital role in militia service, often using the pub as a meeting place, the owner
often an officer of sorts.
When first established, cities were essentially “frontiers” to defend.
As they expanded, the frontiers expanded, until whole regions were populated.
Militia's short service hindered it's effectiveness at sustained war
In the militia, socioeconomic classes precluded militia service.
Seamen, unemployed, “nomadic” workers were common groups in the militia.
Later, city militias were often led by the youth of the upper class.

Civil-Military Relations
Military forces often try to maintain civilian control.
Civilians viewed the state as an oppressive force.
Civilians thought the military was the greatest civil threat.
There was a distrust of standing armies as tyrannical instruments.
In Europe, there was a history of the use of military to suppress dissent.
Citizen-soldiers were thought superior because they had something worth fighting for.

Natives V Colonists
From 1622-1644, there existed a set of conflicts collectively called the Tidewater Wars.
The TW Ws occurred in Virginia, starting when there was a sudden, brutal native attack.
Roughly twenty percent of the colonist population was killed.
This resulted in a war of attrition, and panic-induced retaliation and retribution prevailed.
The captured natives were sold as slaves, and this was the first total war for the natives.
Pequot War occurred in 1637 and came to a head at Pequot Fort on Mystic River.
The colonists, with the aid of native allies, attacked and burned fort, killing most inside.
This represented a near-genocide of the Pequot people.
In 1975-76, a Native confederation led by King Phillip engaged in combat with the colonists, a conflict
called King Phillip’s War.
This lead to a brutal massacre of the Native populations, and ended as a near-genocide.
The loss of only a few militia men could lead to devastating effects on their community.
Soon the possibility of more profit and the present prosperity caused the Crown to step in.

Imperial Wars 1689-1763

Colonists drawn in to anglo-french rivalry of French Catholics vs. English Protestants
N America a stake in the global conflict competing for trade, land, and allies.
French strategy was to make preventatives attacks to push back the frontier.
English strategy was to make a sustained land and sea campaign.
The French had more males of military caliber, and the English had more farmers and families.
Colonies were used as logistic base by British.
Provincial forces untrained and had 1 year service, while the Redcoats were professional soldiers.
Provincial soldiers were more individualistic than standing army, but still resented by population.
Battle of Monogahela 9 July 1755 (Braddock's defeat)
Major General Braddock with GWash as his aide commanded 1500 British + Militia
French commanded 250 regulars and 600 Native Americans.
British lost 456 KIA, 386 WIA, with French casualties at 23 KIA, 20 WIA.
Braddock's Defeat had major psychological and military repercussions.
British Adaptations in fighting from European combat to American colonial styles
British used naval warfare to a new degree, cutting trade and expeditionary missions.
Light infantry saw wider use; Marksmen trained in field craft using open formations.
Rangers, led by Robert Rogers, used shorter coats and muskets and worked in 2 man teams.
Naval War and Empire
British Blockade Canada and West Indies
Protection of commerce now seen as concern.
Ships transport troops and supplies.
Taxes were levied on trade, but were lessened by captured French trade.
Use of a navy facilitated global attacks and increased trade.
Quebec Campaign
Joint operation of navy providing logistics and transport and army as landing force.
Traditional European battle occurred when French came out of fortified city; Plains of Abraham
British are victorious and occupy Quebec, but temporarily, as treaty returned it ante bellum.
Legacy of War for Empire
French threat removed from N America
Increased British Military presence (30,000 quartered in US)
British Empire expanded.
Colonies gain logistical assets like foundries and munition factories.
Shared distrust brews, British think colonists undisciplined rabblers, Colonists think army tyrannical

War of Independence
Things to keep in mind:
Navigation Acts put in place to funnel all colonial trade through the Crown to pay off war debts.
Proclamation Line of 1763 set the Appalachians as the boundary of western expansion.
British regulars garrisoned along this line in forts in attempt to prevent anglo-native conflict.
Many post-war taxes were imposed to attempt to pay for the “War For Empire”
Crown felt that much of war for empire was defending colonial assets; so colonists should pay.
Stamp Act and Quartering Act among those imposed post War For Empire
Quartering of regulars in colonies angered colonists, and was a convenient way to quell dissent.
Colonists, however, wanted to expand and felt they were able to defend themselves from natives.
Colonists began to embargo British goods, and violently retaliate against tax officials.
Britain then repealed the Stamp Act due to this increased pressure.
Britain then imposed the Declaratory Act, which more or less reaffirmed that the colonies were, in fact,
the Crown's bitch.

By 1774 both the Colonists and Britain were preparing and expecting conflict.

British Strategic Dilemma

British navy provides mobility and logistics, threatens entire eastern seaboard, and provides comm
British had little mobility away from the coast.
They were target to guerrilla attack and couldn't procure supplies.
This led to the British only taking cities, which may have lost loyalist support.
Forces were divided, opening them to attack (Cowpens, Trenton NY).
No single campaign yields decisive results, as supplies and troops have to come from Britain.
Detatchments were easily surrounded and destroyed (Saratoga, Yorktown)

American Strategy
Washington's early strategy was to defend the cities and expel garrisons (Long Island camp)
Shift to attrition strategy where cont. army shadows British army, confining them to NY-PA
Makes war demoralizing and costly for British
Use of intelligence was key, so spies were rampant, and Washington understood.
Saratoga was a narrow pass to Hudson river, and a blockade was set.
British want to fight Washington defending Philly, but GWash GTFOs.
Savannah and Charleston battles lost by British due to too few supplies.
French support key to winning war, supplied cannons, weapons, uniforms.
French diverted British attention and funds.
Yorktown was won by chasing the British through the south, French prevent British embarking
Britain cedes to Americans

Contested History (Militia vs. Continental Army)

Continental Army Mythology
Washington and the Continental Army were almost wholly responsible for America's independence.
War was won through battles and campaigns, and the Continental Army proved useful.
Militia was unreliable and costly, and was hardly effective even with popular support.
Militia/Cit-Soldier Mythology
War was a struggle for the control of the populations, for which the militia was indispensable.
Guerrilla warfare, frontier tactics, and “right time, right place” made militia superior.
Pro-militia ideology largely died out by 1900s
Popular examples:
Pro-militia: “The Patriot,” Johnny Tremain, “Drums Along the Mohawk”
Pro-Continental Army: Heroic paintings from that era, crossing of Delaware, etc.

Creation of Continental Army

Act of 16 September 1776 essentially recognized patriotism was no longer enough.
This act established a standing army for the duration of the war.
Soldiers enlisted for three years, with 75,000 men needed total.
Brunt of enlistment fell upon state regiments and legislators, who had to supply troops and officers
By end of war, 231,000 had served with roughly 8000 active at any time.
Massachusetts and Connecticut supplied roughly 40% of the army.
Training and Discipline
Baron von Stueben was charged with the training of the army.
He adapted established Prussian tactics; line formations, volley fire still used, but “aim” added.
Discipline was as harsh, if not harsher, than that of the British army, with lashings and the like.

Militia and the Insurgency, Civil War of 1775-83

The militia was reorganized as the political arm of the Patriot government.
Loyalists were suppressed through terrorism, fines, and disarmament.
Militia enforced Congressional authority by collecting taxes, posting propaganda, and recruiting.

Militia in Military Operations

Militia waged guerrilla war against British troops.
Militia used to quell Loyalist movements (Moore's Creek 1776, King's Mountain 1780)
British Aligned Natives suppressed by militia.
Militia also supported the Continental Army (some)
Bennington Conflict (Subset of Saratoga Campaign) 16 Aug 1777
Burgoyne has difficult time advancing due to constant harassment.
He sends out 800 German troops to procure supplies in Vermont.
Militia force led by John Stark surrounds detachment and forces surrender.
Relief force tries to rescue detachment, but is attacked, leading to 900 KIA of a 1700 strong force.
Battle of Cowpens 17 January 1781
Daniel Morgan led a force of 1700 US troops made up of NC militia and Continentals.
Banastre Tarleton led a mixed legion of 1000 British regs and loyalist, tip of spear, cream of crop.
Militia stood and fired 2 volleys, then retreated.
Tarleton follows eagerly, when the Continental Army begins to fire from a nearby hilltop
British escape cut short by American cavalry, and when militia reappears, it's game over.

Military Significance of the American Revolution

The US proved that it was able to raise and maintain an army that was well trained and fed.
The US also won using an entirely amateur Officer Corps (Nathaniel Greene, GWash, Henry Knox)
The US demonstrated superior ability to raise popular support against occupation (Natn At Arms)
Most imporantly, US could form military forces without slipping in to military dictatorship.
United States naval policy (1794-1865)

Background to maritime ideals.

It was apparent that the Royal Navy had been crucial to colonial defense.
At the start of the revolutionary conflict, the Continental Navy was established.
Navy was under congressional control, and was mostly engaged in commerce raiding.
Congress also gave “Letter(s) of Marque” to many privateers against Britain, and took a cut of profits.

Founding of US Navy
The Napoleonic Wars created a huge source of pirating profits, so the Barbary Pirates' attacks began to
fall upon US ships.
Navy was founded with the idea that “if the Barbary pirates back off, we'll nix the navy.”
Federalists supported the navy, while anti-federalists did not.
Act to Provide Naval Armament 1794
4 44-gun “Super-Frigates,” 2 36-gun frigates commissioned, along with creation of Dept/Sec of Navy
Frigates were fast and manueverable and were useful to protecting and capturing trade.
There was a heavy debate over the mission of the US Navy (this continues for 100+ years)
Should we have a defensive force suitable to face Ships of the Line or just commerce missions?
Marine Corps was created 11 July 1798 (at time, to attack pirating forces)
The opposition to larger navy (Jeffersonians) points out the cost of a navy (and we're broke).
Jeffersonians also point out that Britain has a history of attacking forces they see as threats, and a larger
navy may incite just this type of animosity.

Using the Navy

Quasi-war with France 1798-1801
Navy was forced to protect American commerce, and was credited with saving our commerce.
Even though it saved our commerce, it was still a crippling expense, taking 40% of the 1800 budget.
Barbary Wars 1801-1805
Navy was used to blockade and harass the Barbary States.
Marine invasion of Barbary State threatens Tripoli ruler, but we came to terms (leader could disappear
inland, but acknowledged threat)
Came to terms when we basically bribed them to leave us the hell alone.
War of 1812 Naval usage
Conflict of squadrons vs single ships recurs; fight ships of the line or use commerce tactics?
Single ship actions in 1812-13 were following old standard.
In 1812, the USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere, which had a huge public impact
1813 Navy Act passed to strengthen navy to actually face/defeat Royal Navy in US waters
The development of the Baltimore-style “Clipper” ships was key to commerce raiding and privateering.
US Navy 1815-1860
Station Squadrons developed as a small flotilla of ships that would patrol an area of interest.
Defensive fleets in Mediterranean, Far East, South America, Africa acting as Naval Constabulary
Navy served as anti-piracy, anti-slaving, commerce protectors, and missionaries/diplomats.
Monroe Doctrine -1823
Navy served as main diplomatic force, negotiating treaties, looking after commercial interests.
1953, Perry in USS Powhatan anchored in Edo Bay, and negotiated the opening of Japan.
The navy also played a scientific role, mapping, weather, sampling. Wilkes Expedition.

Naval “Revolution”
Warship design unchanged for so long, and was the most complex technology in the west.
Ship of the Line standard, 60+ guns, broadside combat standard, aim was to disable ship.
Development of steam-powered ships increased possible size of ships, manueverability, and speed.
Steam power also changed fortification weak points because wind no longer mattered.
Steam power, however, was unreliable, required engineers (Kirk/Scotty), needed fuel.
Heavier guns, specifically shells (1820 John Dahlgren), could now destroy masonry or whole ships.
Large cannons had to be center mounted, changing “broadside” standards.
Steam power also allowed heavy iron armor to be added, but more fuel/power needed, ironclads born.
Steam engines took up much of the hull space and were very vulnerable to enemy fire.
Scheduling was silly before, relied on wind patterns/storms. Now timing was reliable.

Naval Warfare in American Civil War

Union blockade declared April 1861 on CSA, cutting confederate commerce.
From 1861 to 1863, successful cotton imports decreased from 413000 tons to 3000 tons.
Cruisers employed to catch blockade runners, monitors to patrol harbor/coast.
Confederate forts were often attacked with combined naval and land attacks.
New Orleans was taken by the Union in April 1962 by naval and land campaign.
Riverrine Warfare in America crucial for logistics and transportation, as well as suppression.
River-based monitors could act as artillery in land battles.
Cumberland-Tennessee campaign

US Defense Policy 1789-1814

Continental Army disbanded as a temporary war-necessitated institution.
Both citizens and congress opposed to permanent military force.
Under the Art. Of Confederation US couldn't have an army if it wanted, no money, no power.
Present threats were Indian Confederations, piracy, and internal conflicts (Shay's Rebellion)
Constitution things
Constitution Art. 1 Sec. 8 “Powers of Congress”
“can raise and support armies, no term more than 2 years”
“can provide/maintain navy”
“can declare war”
“can call on militia to enforce, suppress, or repel”
This led to a very Congress-controlled military (control of officers)
Constitution Art. 2 Sec. 2 “Civilian power over military”
President is Commander in Chief and controls militia
States had to have congressional approval to wage war except in dire situations.
2nd Amendment gave right to arms and well regulated militia.
3rd Amendment prevented quartering of troops in civilian homes
Militia Act 1792 (UNFUNDED mandate)
Required all males to register for militia
Made militia service basis of citizenship
Recommends all states raise and train a militia (no money to do it, though)
Act gave no power to federal government for enforcement or funding.
Some suspect it was written by federalists to suck, and force a standing military act to be passed.
The Militia Evolves 1800-1860
Only frontier areas had militia obligations.
In cities volunteer militia was more of a trade/class-based club that was a semi-official internal security
force.
Volunteer militia was useful to suppress riots, assist in natural disasters, and as an Honor Guard.
The Inglorious Birth of an Army
1st American Regiment formed in 1784
St. Claire's Defeat of 1791 saw 631 KIA and 258 WIA of 1400 strong force.
Anthony Wayne forms Legion, a mixed regiment, and aims to reform and reorganize army.
In Battle of Fallen Timers, Legion proves itself when defeats western confederacy and gets OH valley.

Jefferson's Military Policies

Jefferson removed the Federalist-appointed officers from service
Reduction of US Army to Actual Size
Established US Military Academy in 1802, establishing the first engineering school.
Corps of Engineers now at forefront of army service.
Appoints new officers through Congressional appointment to gain political loyalty.
Jefferson created the idea of an “Army in the Service of a Nation”
He commissioned exploration and surveying missions (Lewis+Clark, Zachary Pike).
He also used the military to complete federal construction projects.
New engineer army begins new fortification program, focusing on the Atlantic ports.
Corps of Engineers and architects design forts to block the entrances to ports.

Origins of the 2nd anglo-american war (war of 1812)

Maritime grievances, like those from Napoleonic Wars' interruption of US trade.
The British also took to the impressment of US sailors, and attacks upon US warships.
In June 1807 the HMS Leopard attacked the USS Chesapeake.
British refused to give up the frontier forts after independence gained, and British supplying Tecumseh.
Overview of War of 1812
1812-1813 US unable to decisively knock the British out on all fronts.
In the NE, US attempts to invade Canada fail.
In the NW, US contests great lakes, destroys Techumseh.
In the SE, the Creek Campaign yields great rewards for the US.
In 1814 the British counterattack with maritime and land expeditions.
The US repels attacks with better forts, officers, and troops, particularly good at defense.
Britain is financially exhausted and has little enthusiasm with further war.
Baltimore campaign 1814
Baltimore is hugely important to the US Navy and privateer force.
Baltimore clippers desireable.
British launch a sea-land attack of 3000-6000 infantry from the interior and the Royal Navy from sea.
In the Battle of North Point (Sept 1814), the militia delays the land force and kills the general.
The British navy has little luck.

Andrew Jackson and the Creek Campaign.

Andrew Jackson was a frontier lawyer, politician, and militia commander.
The Creek War erupted in 1813(-14) when the Red Stick Cherokee attack the Peace Party (pro US)
Red Sticks also attack fort Mims, which leads Andrew Jackson to move into N Alabama.
In the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, March 1814, 2700 US and 600 Creeks kill over 800 of 1000 Creeks.
From this victory, the US gained 23,000,000 acres.

Who won the War of 1812?

In the NE (niagra), it was a tie with the US's botched invasion fiasco and the failed British invasion
In the NW, Tecumseh's Confederation was destroyed and US gets Great Lakes as an industrial base.
In the SE, the Creek War earned the United states a sizable portion of land.
So, the US wins, more or less.
US Military Policy 1814-1863
John C. Calhoun was the Secretary of War from 1817-25.
Calhoun thought that it was the War Department's disorganization that was (partially) to blame.
He felt they lacked info, a competent bureaucracy to manage resources and direct orders.
The War Dept also failed to manage the continued expansion during wartime.
Calhoun's Assumptions
Size of army less important than its ability.
Peace time uses mostly frontier policing and deterrence on the Eastern seaboard.
During war, repel first attack on harbor, and provide adequate training to get a damn good army.
Calhoun's office still had various shortcomings.
The key demographic of his administration is that of technicians and bureaucrats.
Since he was not a strategist, there were conflicts between the interests of the branch and the army.
He could still be undercut through congressional favors.
He felt that peacetime efficiency was more important than war preparation, which some disliked.
He also was unable to resolve line-staff problems.
What role should the Commanding General be? Is he a commander or an advisor?
Line officers have limited authority over staff officers, and were often delegated to staff Bureaus.
Expansible Army Concept
1820- “Report on Reduction of the Army”
Organize army to be expansible when War breaks out.
Line units should have Wartime Officers (NCOs)
A 6000 troop army should easily expand to 11000
Fortification and Harbor Defense 1814-1860
Engineer corps utilized by War Dept to develop harbor defense forts.
This is the first organization to develop a national strategy
Fortification Board formed for this purpose.
Board assumes next war will resemble 1812; European invasion impossible without harbor control.
Because of this, Atlantic Ocean ports number one priority.
James Totten has history of Engineering prowess, made existing NY fortifications
On fortification board from conception until his death, and Chief Engineer 1838-1864.
New style of fort developed, called Casemate Harbor Defense Forts, 2-3 stories, 20-30 guns, 8ft wall.
1817 Had 50 Forts and 4600 men slated 18 Million Dollars
1832 126 Forts and 6000 men commissioned 32 Million
1851 20000000 Spent, 59 Sites complete.
Fort plans cut short by Naval Revolution
Pacifying the Frontier
Army had combat, exploration, anti-banditry, trade protections, and policing duties.
Conflicts of this area rarely glorious, and were often unpopular/controversial.
Raids, destruction, atrocities, massacres with targeting of non-combatants common.
Because of this, civil-military relations strained.

Army Officers and War

Guardians (e.g. Totten)
Use science and engineering to predict, prepare and defend nation
Heroes
Find war a struggle in which mortal spirit determines victory.
Commanders have charisma, such that commanders are born, not educated.
James K. Polk and US Mil. Strategy.
Polk first president to prove that the president makes an effective Commander in Chief.
He sets the precedent of strategy, manpower, and appointment decisions bypassing congress.
In. US-Mexico Conflict, Polk hoped to capture land all the way to Rio Grande, gain Cali, and negotiate.
He hoped for a limited war, and at first, got it.
Objectives (above) were achieved within the first few months of conflict, offers of peace made.
War continues due to Mexican stubbornness to accept their losses and end it.
Polk tries to gradually show that more war is not what they actually want.
This involves the N Mexico campaign and then C Mexico campaign.
At this time, the regular army in this conflict was 8500 strong, the largest force in the frontier.
Engineering and Artillery forces were vastly superior, great.
Up to 30,000 troops could have been mobilized for this conflict.
The volunteer army also was crucial, and was well trained now (Calhoun?)
Congress called for 50,000 volunteers in 1846, raised by states, and used by feds.
Buena Vista Campaign
Taylor was occupying Monterrey and was ordered not to advance
Feb 1847, He advances to Buena Vista, Santa Anna's forces surprise US forces in transit.
Snipers and Artillery slow and confound Mexican forces, and Santa Anna withdraws (foolishly)
American forces could have faced major losses
Occupation and Guerrilla War
Atrocities were committed against Mexicans (esp. by Texans), inciting retaliation
Bandits and robbers plagued American supply lines and forces.
Violent sniping and raiding on supply detachments hurt.
US attempts counterinsurgency through more convoy defense and greater retaliation to guerrillas.
Caught guerrillas executed, and locals held responsible for any atrocities committed in area.
The US also put force a local policing duty, and swayed Upper Class and Catholic Church to support
the American occupation (more, at least)

Civil War
Myths of Bull Run
Some felt this was the first real american battle disaster, and showed dangers of unpreparedness.
Some saw this as civilians' inability to follow sound mil. advice, and cit-sold could fight w/o regs.
The battle the army lost without ever fighting
In Feb 1861, 15% of standing American army (troops/weapons) captured without struggle.
Fort Sumter surrenders without a real fight April 1861
Myth of Lost Cause
CSA sympathizers bitched about it not being a fair fight.
CSA had better generals, 2 years of surprise, and more fighting spirit
USA had larger army, more supplies, and better industry and more well-rounded economy.
Lost Cause spawns from R. E. Lee's performance with army of N. VGA in E theater
These myth believers failed to recognize the Union victories in west and other important fields.
Lost cause also ignores misused CSA advantages and Union shortcomings.
Union War Objectives
Union had unlimited war aims, had to rid continent of CSA and reform union, big task.
Union had to maintain popular and political support, and offered generous terms to sway southerners.
Union Strategy and Assumptions 1861-63
Limited war preferred, as US assumed most southerners “closet” loyalists, and would be easy to sway.
Union felt attacks limited to military targets were most effective.
Also, constituency and politics and intntl groups all favored limited war.
Border states and eastern theater were thought to summarize the future conflict.
Union Manpower
2,000,000 troops raised in entire conflict.
In 1862 callout looked for 500,000 troops, most from standing state regiments
1863 Enrollment act was basically draft, had 3year duration, and high bounty.
African americans were important to union, 186000 total fought for them.
Political generals were a large part of the officers, such as U. S. Grant, Stonewall J, and W. T. Sherman.
Confederate Manpower
States were held responsible for troop-raising efforts and General appointments, Departments used.
1862 Manpower Acts (draft) called for 400000 volunteers for 4 years (duration)
Conscription Act (also draft) got basically all men other than skilled workers, clergy, and ^ class.
By 1863, most of CSA population had served, and began to decline soon after.
Union supporters, draft-dodgers, and desertion also cut into CSA manpower.
CSA War Aims and Strategy
CSA just had to maintain control of land claimed, and would gain de facto independence.
Slavery-based economy required CSA occupation of slavery run land.
Mountains and river valleys used to separate CSA into “departments”
Used napoleonic “disperse and converge” strategy.
HAD TO GET BORDER STATES SOOOO BAD.
CSA Advantages
CSA fighting strategic defensive.
CSA usually had more of army (size-wise) engaged in battle, statistics slighted.
CSA had home guard, militia, and guerrillas.
Most of CSA was underdeveloped, so infrastructure weaker, supplying army tougher, deeper.
Popular will turned so that, CSA or USA, people still defended homes and families.
CSA able to effectively quell unionist resistance for first half.
CSA Disadvantages.
CSA needed border states, which were lost by 1862
CSA had troubling terrain, mountains impeding movement, rivers route for invasion
Slave economy let more (white) men fight, but failed when USA occupies land, required int security.
Jefferson Davis was a horrible leader, and there was overconfidence in fighting ability and aid
CSA unprepared for the psychological impact of hard war.
Advantages decreased as war progressed, disadvantages increaed.
Naval Warfare in Civil War
Blockade by USA devastatingly effective.
Almost all CSA ports attacked.
River-based attacks on forts and countryside common and effective.