[monoflo]

The North had the preponderance on manufacturing, control of the seas- the blockade,manpower and resources.
As the first truly modern war -logistics, firepower and resources had the overpowering upper hand.

The South had a punchers chance hence going all in at Gettysburg -and then they would still need aid from the Europeans.

The real issue at Gettysburg was Lee was without his cavalry as they were out raiding and not doing proper recon -hence he could not choose the battlefield (high ground etc)-forced to attack an opponent that outnumbered his forces. Meade failed to press his advantage after the battle -something Grant most likely never would have done,

The issue being decided in the West at Vicksburg probably was every bit as important as Gburg in deciding the fate of the Confederacy

USG was the consumate proto typical modern general -much like the Russians in WW2 he knew to press his material and in some cases qualitative advantages in equipment. After being beaten at Cold Harbor he did not retreat he simply moved his attack to a different part of the front . Other Union leaders such as Sherman and Sheridan mirrored the total war philosopy also.

Mflo