Why did both sides believe the US Civil War would be over quickly?

Answer 1

Each thought that the other really didn't want to fight and would not produce good soldiers. The North had most of the professional army and thought that the Confederate forces, made up mostly of untrained militia, would be easily broken on the battlefield. The Southerners tended to think that, "Gentlemen always fight better than rabble," and, "One Southerner can lick twenty Yankees." They both found out, to their great regret, that they were horribly wrong. The South had anticipated they could quickly gain the upper hand by cutting off the North from their cotton production. Without the cotton, New England textile mills would have no work, and the North would not have any cotton related materials to trade with Britain or France. By removing this export, the South figured the could topple their economy. If the North were laying people off and loosing money, they would have less to invest into the war. This plan, however, did not work out. The North came up with the Anaconda plan which basically cut the South off from trading. The South also believed they had the upper hand by fighting on their own land, and having the best generals. The North had the money, a better trained military, and the means to produce more war related materials.

Answer 2

Because each side thought its advantages were overwhelming - the North with its bigger population and industrial manufacturing capacity, the South with its soldierlike character, its experience of living the hunting and shooting life, and its clear war-aim of defending the homeland against the invader.

Answer 3

It could be accurately stated that many Americans hoped that the Confederate rebellion would not last long. These people either were not aware of the prediction by the General in Chief Winfield Scott or believed Scott was wrong.Scott's report, which was read by President-elect Abraham Lincoln, predicted that the Southern rebellion, if ably led by the Union would take two to three years and require 300,000 Union troops. He predicted that troops would be needed to garrison territory won against the South and that the war would consist of many sieges, battles and deaths due to fevers that ran rampant in the South. He also predicted that to end the rebellion would result in the destruction of the Southern economy and cost over $250 Million. As an American, he saw his nation crippled by the ruination of the Southern economy.

Scott produced the best result of the coming war. He did underestimate the total carnage, however.

The optimists in the North, including President Lincoln, believed the quick capture of Richmond would make the "Southern Americans" see the light of day and put down their arms.

Of the Confederates who the war to be ended quickly, they were simply ill informed.

Answer 4

a.

Answer 5

They both though they would win