What was the basic premise of the Confederate government? What advantages did the Confederacy have, and why did its leaders think victory would be theirs?

The basic premise of the Confederate government was to establish a separate nation that upheld the institution of slavery and states' rights. The Confederacy aimed to preserve the economic and social structure of the Southern states, which relied heavily on slave labor for their agricultural economy.

The Confederacy had several advantages, including a strong military tradition and a defensive strategy that focused on protecting their territory rather than conquering the North. Additionally, the South had a strong agricultural base and was able to supply its army with food and other resources. The Confederacy also had skilled military leaders, such as Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, who were able to win several early victories against the Union forces.

Confederate leaders believed that victory would be theirs due to their strong military leadership, the defensive nature of their strategy, and the belief that European powers, particularly Britain and France, would come to their aid. They also believed that the North did not have the will or the resources to sustain a prolonged war. However, as the war dragged on, the Confederacy's disadvantages, such as a lack of industrial capacity and a smaller population, became more apparent, ultimately leading to their defeat.