What was the south's original plan for victory in the civil war?

The South's original plan for victory in the Civil War, often referred to as the "Defensive War Strategy," aimed to protect its territory and resources while leveraging its home-field advantage. Southern leaders believed that by prolonging the conflict and inflicting heavy casualties, they could wear down Northern morale and political will to continue fighting. Additionally, they hoped to secure foreign recognition and support, particularly from Britain and France, by leveraging their cotton production. Ultimately, the strategy relied on defensive tactics rather than aggressive offensives to maintain their independence.