In what ways were the north and the south unprepared for the war?

Both armies had a shortage of clothing, food, and even rifles. Most troops lacked standard uniforms and simply wore their own clothes. The problem with volunteers was that many of them had no idea how to fight. Schoolteachers, farmers, and laborers all had to learn the combat basics of marching, shooting, and using bayonets. Both were also not prepared for the cold weather.

Spanish conquistadors demanded labour from natives.