USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In conjunction with the telegraph, railroads allowed the front lines to be reinforced with both troops and supplies at speeds never before seen. Armies could transport troops across the country to the front lines in days instead of weeks (pending on location).

Detailed explanation-2: -New technology in naval warfare included ironclads and submarines. The Civil War was the first major war that involved ironclad ships. These were ships that were protected by steel or iron armor plates. They were nearly impossible to sink with conventional weapons and forever changed the way ships were used in battle.

Detailed explanation-3: -The telegraph allowed the president to act as a true commander-in-chief by issuing commands to his generals and directing the movement of forces in nearly real time. For the first time, a national leader could have virtual battlefront conversations with his military officers.

Detailed explanation-4: -For more than 80 years, people in the Northern and Southern states had been debating the issues that ultimately led to war: economic policies and practices, cultural values, the extent and reach of the Federal government, and, most importantly, the role of slavery within American society.