Political Building a strong government It is Summer 1862. The Union army has reached the outskirts of the Confederate capital city, Richmond (in Virginia). However, both sides are weakened by arguments about strategy.

In the Confederate government, President Jefferson Davis wants to abandon Richmond and withdraw to safer territory, but General Robert E. Lee disagrees with him. In the Unionist government, President Abraham Lincoln wants to attack Richmond immediately, but General George McClellan thinks this will be too risky.

So both Presidents need to decide how to handle these tensions. Confederate Options Follow the advice of a close circle of personal friends and advisors. Demand total obedience from the members of your government. Patiently listen to all points of view before making firm decisions. Union Options Patiently listen to all points of view before making firm decisions. Follow the advice of a close circle of personal friends and advisors. Demand total obedience from the members of your government. Outcomes President Jefferson Davis followed Lee's advice and refused to withdraw from Richmond. General McClellan persuaded President Abraham Lincoln to build up reinforcements before attacking Richmond - but this just gave the Confederates time to strengthen their position. In the 'Seven Days Battles' (June 25th-July 1st 1862, Virginia) General Robert E. Lee drove General McClellan's forces back over the Northern border.

President Jefferson Davis was a professional soldier: he was used to obeying, commanding, and working with a close group of personal advisors. He had little talent for compromise, which became a severe weakness when trying to balance the different demands of the Confederate states).

President Abraham Lincoln was a professional politician. He listened to different points of view carefully, learned very quickly, and then firm decisions. For example, General McClellan clashed with President Lincoln throughout 1861-1862, but Lincoln stuck by him for a while even after his defeat in the 'Seven Days Battles'. Quiz Questions What was the capital city of the Confederate States of America?*Richmond*Atlanta*Memphis*Washington What was the capital city of the United States of America?*Washington*Atlanta*Memphis*Richmond