Advantages and
Disadvantages of the
North and South
Way of Life
 Many supporters of the North felt they were fighting to
preserve the Union.
 However, many Southern supporters felt they were just
trying to preserve their way of life.
 Some of Lincoln’s own family sided with the South,
including four of his wife’s brothers.
Southern Advantages
 Most Southerners believed that their more rural way of
life would better prepare them for war.
 Many hunted and were familiar with weapons.
 Because most of the fighting was done in the South,
they knew the land well.
 They also had many river systems to help transport
supplies.
 Their cotton supplies helped them make allies with
England at first.
Southern Disadvantages
 As we know, they had few factories to produce
weapons, railroad tracks, and other supplies.
 What other disadvantages did you notice on the graphs?
Northern Advantages
 Many Northern states were on the coast, and could use
the US Navy ships.
 Had most (2/3) of the nation’s wealth because of big
banks and large businesses.
 Had wheat crops to trade with England, making England
an ally (friend) during the war.
 Had factories to make supplies
 Had most (2/3) of the nation’s railroads to transport
troops and supplies
 Had merchant fleet (ships) to trade with Europe and
other nations
Northern Disadvantages
 They were invading unfamiliar land
 They enemy’s land area was larger, so they had more
land to try to fight and conquer
You Try
 Using the website below, drag and drop to sort the
advantages and disadvantages to the correct side.
 You may also click “Cards” at the top to practice with
flashcards.
 https://quizlet.com/90354269/scatter
Southern Political and Social
Advantages
Had skilled soldiers and some of
the best military men in the
country
Had the moral advantage of
fighting for their homeland and
defending themselves
Southern Political and Social
Disadvantages
Had a smaller population which
led to less people who could fight
in the war
States had most of the power,
which led to many disagreements
and a divided army
Northern Political and Social
Advantages
 Had a larger population of free citizens to fight in war.
When a soldier was unable to fight, they could replace
him, whereas the enemy could not because they didn’t
have enough people.
 Had a strong government that had been in place a long
time and a strong president.
 Had the moral advantage of wanting slavery ended, or
abolished.
 Had a larger population of workers to grow food and
work in factories making supplies for war
Northern Social and Political
Disadvantages
NONE!
 Now you try:
 https://quizlet.com/90684824/scatter