Confederate and union strengnths and weaknesses and first battles

          The confederation and union had very diverse economies, strengths, and weaknesses. The union strengths at the time of the civil war were their huge population, strong industries to support the war, blacks to fight with them, railroads, telegrams, a good navy, and more. Their weaknesses included bad generals, the fact that they had to invade the south, and more. The south's strengths included amazing generals, moralized troops defending their homeland, and better armies. Their weaknesses were that they had fewer troops, missed some opportunities to win, were less technologically advanced, had worse weaponry, and more. Although the strengths and weaknesses gave the north a slight advantage, both sides thought themselves superior. Fort Sumpter was a union outpost controlling the Charleston river port. Rebel forces overtook the fort and freed themselves. This angered the northerners and caused many of them to sign up for the war. Many southerners also signed up to "whoop" the northerners. Northern forces met southerners standing at Bull Run creek, which gave it its name. The two forces clashed along this river for a very bloody battle. This demoralized the troops on both sides and gave signs that the war was going to be a long one.   

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