[DL] Re: Why the Union Did Not Win

[Michael Robert Blair <pellinoire@yahoo.com>]

The Union depended on Indian (the subcontinent)
sources of nitrates to make their gunpowder.
Historically they were quick to apologise over the
Trent affair in part to protect this vital source as
it was British controlled.

Indigionous sources were not well developed and could
not hope to supply enough nitrates to keep the Union
forces supplied with Gunpowder.

This, I think goes some way to explain the Unions
problem. Without sufficient gunpowder to keep its
forces in the field supplied and with Britain and
France overtly supporting the CSA the Union would have
had big problems. The Royal Navy could have ended the
blockade of the Southern ports and allowed British
merchants to supply everything the CSA needed, from
salt to artillery.

The monitors might have been a bit of a problem to
deal with but they had poor endurance and were very
unseaworthy. It would be an interesting fight, a
coastal force against a deep water one.

The later Union warships like the Dictator (I think)
would have been more of a problem - but Britain could
still out build the Union - remember some parts for
the Monitor had to come from Britain.

Michael

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