General Lee identified the North's center of gravity as the will of the northern populace to continue the war in an effort to maintain the Union. If he could not affect the North's ability to make war, then he would have to devise a plan to affect the North's will to continue the Civil War. Influenced by his earlier victories, Lee overestimated his capabilities, the abilities of his commanders to discern commander's intent and underestimated their need for guidance on strategic end-state. As a result, Lee's plan for a second Northern campaign was flawed.