Focusing on the political, military, economic, social, and diplomatic reasons behind the Union victory, this collection presents the most complete picture of this key aspect of Civil War studies. In an essay new to this edition, Henry Steele Commager offers a historiographical overview of the collapse of the Confederacy. Richard N. Current describes the economic superiority of the North and shows how the civilian resources of the South were dissipated during the war. T. Harry Williams examines the deficiencies of the Southern military strategy and leadership. Norman A. Graebner discusses the reluctance of France and England to aid the South. David Herbert Donald reports that excessive Southern emphasis on individual freedom fatally undermined military discipline. And David M. Potter suggests that a lack of political leadership in the South resulted in gross incompetence.

"A Touchstone book"--T.p. "A Touchstone book."

The defeat of the Confederacy: an overview / Henry Steele Commager -- God and the strongest battalions / Richard N. Current -- The military leadership of North and South / T. Harry Williams -- Northern diplomacy and European neutrality / Norman A. Graebner -- Died of democracy / David Herbert Donald -- Jefferson Davis and the political factors in Confederate defeat / David M. Potter.