Most importantly, they thought they needed to fight. Winning was somewhat secondary, but the following factors where involved in that calculation: 1. The Confe

Most importantly, they thought they needed to fight. Winning was somewhat secondary, but the following factors where involved in that calculation: 1. The Confederates planned to fight on the defensive. They weren't invading the Union. 2. They were more prepared for military service and had better leadership. Which wasn't wrong at the start. 3. They would win simply because of the strength of their belief. If they never surrendered, they would win because the Union didn't the same resolve. 4. Cotton exports would cause European countries to side with them against the Union. 5. They didn't really expect the Union to wage total war.