The Civil War America on the Eve of War 11 19 2013 In April 1861 both North and South unprepared for war No strong president since James K Polk in 1840s o Most Americans expected little from Lincoln North few taxes no draft South no tax structure no navy only two small gun powder factories unconnected railroad lines Financing the War today Federal spending only 2 of GFP during 1840s and 1850s o Sufficient revenue expenditures rise to 15 GDP about 23 States rights 1861 North imposes income tax South imposes property tax Both sides print money Union greenbacks feature picture of Salmon Chase head of the Union treasury Confederate currency collapses Confederate to Union Dollar o 90 cents Dec 1861 o 25 cents Dec 1862 o 5 cents Dec 1863 o 2 cents Dec 1864 Changes in Weapons and Tactics Pre 1860 Smooth bore musket o Efficient range 50 100 yards o During the Civil War Rifle firing minie ball Effective range 500 yards Minnie ball named for French captain Claude Mini The Fighting First Bull Run First Manassas July 1861 o Union under General Irvin McDowell o Confederates under P G T Beugregard Picnicking Washington dignitaries watch battle Confederate Victory The War in the West Union more successful in the West o Ulysses S Grant o 1862 1863 Union captured New Orleans and much of the Mississippi River valley large portions of KY TN AR and MO Most people live in the east and it was viewed almost as a stalemate and the north wasn t doing to well when they were doing very well in the west almost cutting the confederacy in half North wasn t very open to the war in the beginning Sure they were against slavery but they did not want to fight a war over it let alone a war at this scale It costs too much too many casualties and too bloody This is where the things stand at the end of 1862 Lee realizes that the south cant keep going on like this makes an offensive move to go fight in the north and then turn army and close on Washington Dc 11 19 2013 11 19 2013