Locating the Confederate capital at Richmond put the government near an important industrial centre, but tied strategy to defending a city close to the Union capital. Virginia's large, well-armed state guard and the obvious need to defend the capital made a quick Union coup against Richmond implausible. The resulting political and geographical pull encouraged both sides to pursue direct advances instead of wider operational solutions. Taking Washington would still leave the Union's industrial centres, including New York, Chicago, and Pittsburgh, producing troops and supplies. As long as Lincoln and a functioning federal government survived, the Union could continue the war.
Notable Point · 43:33-50:25
Richmond's industry and the cost of defending the capital
Richmond's industry drew the Confederate government toward Virginia, while the proximity of the two capitals encouraged costly direct offensives.