How did the leadership styles of the confederate army compare to the leadership styles of the Union Army?

Answer 1

The Confederates modelled themselves on the Cavaliers of the English Civil War, and tried to copy their style, based on legends of chivalry. Commanders were meant to be 'gung-ho' leaders, showing great daring, and taking dramatic risks, even when all seemed lost. This is why Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson appealed to the troops, and it was also why the brilliant Joseph E. Johnston was sacked - he was too sensible and cautious, trying to conserve manpower when that was the logical thing to do. (He was replaced by a gung-ho General who led the Confederates to disaster.)

The Union side did not really have anything that might be described as a leadership style at the beginning. Lincoln did not at first know how to choose and use good Generals, and made a bad mistake by selecting the slow-moving Henry Halleck as General-in-Chief. The Union had to learn by their mistakes, and it was not until Grant and Sherman took over in March 1864 that they were able to make proper use of their advantages. Grant was a calm, steady commander who kept his eye on the ball, and systematically cornered and starved Lee into surrender.