What Would Have Happened If the Union Lost?
A myriad of questions have been posed as to what would have happened to the United States if the Union had not won the war, or even if the war never took place at all. This suggests that a peaceful coexistence would have been needed between the North and South. This arrangement could have led to the keeping of the economic structure intact. Even so, during the war both sides, mostly the South, experienced significant economic losses due to limited trade during the time of the combat and a relatively docile market. On the other hand, with the U.S. split, it may have been viewed as a perfect opportunity for different European powers to orchestrate a land grab, carving up the United States.
Another very plausible contingency that could have taken place if the South had won at Gettysburg is that the South would proceed to win the Civil War. One would believe that a win at Gettysburg would have shattered the morale of the Union troops, especially taking into account the several other losses that preceded the battle. In addition, Gettysburg could have also been manifested as a staging point for Confederate military operations after the combat had finished. The key to success for the Confederate states may have been as simple as a unified navy to smash through the North’s blockades on the Mississippi river, which would have opened up trade once again for the Confederates and provided the substantial advantage of having control of valuable resources. |
A Unified Country
Despite these hypotheticals and considerations, it is undeniable that the Battle of Gettysburg led to an earlier ending for the Civil War. This in turn steered towards peace between the Union and Confederacy and the rejoining of the two previously segregated groups. Due to this crucial battle, the Union was able to make their final push and win the Civil War. As a result of this victory, millions today live in the United States of America as opposed to half of the population residing in the Confederate States of America and the other half existing in the Union. In other words, the Battle of Gettysburg prevented a divided nation today, or a sole Confederate States of America. Thanks to the outcome of the war and chief tactical points such as Gettysburg, the Union and Confederate States combined under the United States of America.