Question

Which of the following factors proved to be the most important in the North winning the Civil War
A). A spirited and unified population
B). High quality military leadership
C). Faithful allies
D). Large population

Answer 1

The North had all of the weapons industry and 3 times the manpower. The odds were heavily favouring the North

Victory was definetly not inevitable. Jackson (Stonewall) proposed several times to raid the North - bypass Washington and concentrate on the undefended industrial supply areas. His proposals were rejected every time and the generals (both North and South) mostly concentrated on meat-grinder tactics- set piece battles. Victory in such battles goes to the side with more resources- so the North had to win.

Stonewall Jackson's tactic was used- ironically it was used by a very able Northern general who ripped the heart out of the Confederacy with his "March through Georgia". In this manner he practically ended the war with almost no casualties to his troops.
Lee's surrender was simply the result of suddenly finding himself with no supplies and no prospect of future supplies from the destroyed rear.