The Civil War spurred industry in both the North and South. As the war progressed, Northern industry mobilized to conduct a war designed not just to defend Union territory, but to invade the South, defeat Confederate armies, and occupy Southern territory-a huge and unprecedented task that required all of the resources the North could muster.
The Civil War displayed America's industrial potential, and foreshadowed the decisive role American industry would play in shaping the political, economic, and military realities of the 20th century.
Last updated: April 23, 2015