Did the north fight an offensive war?

Answer 1

The North (Union) primarily fought a defensive war during the early stages of the Civil War, focusing on protecting its territory and maintaining the Union. However, as the war progressed, it increasingly adopted offensive strategies, particularly under generals like Ulysses S. Grant, who launched campaigns to capture Confederate territory and resources. The overall objective was not just to defend, but to decisively defeat the Confederacy and restore the Union. Thus, while it had defensive elements, the North engaged in significant offensive operations throughout the conflict.