Question

question 3 of 10

confederate leaders had to deal with which problem at the start of the civil war?

a. most skilled u.s. generals had sided with the union.
b. many people in the south still supported the union.
c. mexico launched an invasion of the confederacy.
d. southern farmers refused to join the confederate military.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Confederate leaders faced several internal political and social challenges. While the South had a strong military tradition and many skilled officers who joined the Confederacy (rendering option A incorrect), it was not a completely unified region.

Evaluate Southern internal division

A significant challenge for the Confederacy was that a substantial portion of the population living within the seceded states remained loyal to the federal government. This phenomenon, known as Southern Unionism, was particularly strong in mountainous regions like western Virginia (which broke away to form West Virginia) and eastern Tennessee.

Assess the remaining options

• Option C is historically inaccurate; Mexico did not invade the Confederacy.
• Option D is incorrect because, especially at the start of the war, there was a massive wave of voluntary enlistment among Southern farmers and citizens, long before conscription was introduced.
• Therefore, the presence of Union sympathizers within the South was a major internal security and political problem for Confederate leadership.

Answer:

• A. Most skilled U.S. generals had sided with the Union.
• B. Many people in the South still supported the Union. (Correct answer)
• C. Mexico launched an invasion of the Confederacy.
• D. Southern farmers refused to join the Confederate military.