What advantages did the Confederacy have during the civil war in 1861?

Southern Advantages:

- were fighting on home turf

- the "common man" new how to fight better

- better generals

- men knew how to ride horses and fire guns (this really didn't end up helping them much during the war due to the new guns coming out)

(New respondent)

In '61, they had reason to believe that Britain would recognise the Confederacy and send military aid.