Thread: What political changes during the civil war helped contribute toward its end?

I was wondering how politics in both the North and South helped contribute toward ending the war. Also, were there any societal influences that helped end the war, too?

1. That Britain and France did not get involved. If they had supported the South, it might have changed the war.
2. 1864 Lincoln won reelection by only a small margin. If he had not won, the North might have ended the war.
3. Sherman's capture of Atlanta saved Lincoln's campaign.
4. Lincoln's second Inaugural Address - pushed for end of war.

From Shmoop History/The Civil War