When the civil war began, both the north and the south mistakenly anticipated a short war because __________?

When the Civil War began, both the North and the South mistakenly anticipated a short war because they believed that the conflict would be resolved quickly due to several factors:

Underestimation of the Opposition:

• Each side underestimated the military capabilities and determination of the other. Both the North and the South believed that they would quickly defeat the opposing side, leading to a swift resolution of the conflict.

Overconfidence and Enthusiasm:

• There was a general sense of overconfidence and enthusiasm on both sides at the outset of the war. Many believed that their cause was just and that their armies were superior, fostering the expectation of a quick victory.

Lack of Understanding of Modern Warfare:

• The military leadership on both sides had limited experience with large-scale, modern warfare. The prevailing military tactics were still rooted in older strategies that did not account for the advances in weaponry and the scale of the Civil War.

Assumption of Public Support:

• Leaders on both sides assumed that the general population was united behind their cause and that there would be a quick and decisive resolution before public sentiment waned.

Economic Considerations:

• Both the North and the South anticipated that the economic strain of a prolonged war would be too much for the opposing side to bear. This belief contributed to the expectation of a short conflict