The Union had other advantages other than people; namely a vastly superior industrial base and a much stronger navy. They were just as critical as the greater

The Union had other advantages other than people; namely a vastly superior industrial base and a much stronger navy. They were just as critical as the greater numbers of forces. But the showing of mercy to the vanquished foe has proven repeatedly to be great public policy, and should be remembered whenever one hears a politician talk about taking the spoils of war.