Discus the social and economic effects of the total war between the North and the South?

Answer 1

The "total war" had many social and economical effects on both the North and the South. Economically, the South was not prepared to fight the war. Their lack of efficient internal transportation systems hindered their ability to distribute food to areas that were in dire need. As a result, much of the Confederate Army suffered from malnourishment. Socially, there were many effects. Many blacks were freed in the North and joined in the war effort against the Confederates. When the northerners saw that the African Americans were not as dangerous as they had previously believed, the foundation began to be laid towards abolition. In addition, women found that they had new responsibilities. With the deaths of so many men, women began serving in the community which upset their previous purely domestic roles. They served as nurses for the army and helped to promote health related knowledge such as "cleanliness, nutrition and medical care." While the total war had some negative consequences, they were outweighed by the beneficial steps towards freedom.