Young Virginians joined the army for a variety of reasons, including patriotism, a sense of duty, a chance to win glory, make new friends or visit new places – inspired by newspapers and orators. Those who did not join risked being called cowards.
Northerners fought to preserve the Union while Southerners fought to preserve their way of life, but both believed they were fighting for freedom and democracy.
The average Virginia soldier was a farm boy, a Protestant, native born, single and was fighting for the sake of his state, not the Confederacy.
Companies of 100 men were formed locally, which enabled friends, neighbors and relatives to serve together. Ten companies would together form a regiment of 1,000 men. These were also organized by region, so, for example the 10 companies of the 4th Virginia Infantry all came from Southwest Virginia.
Sub-Chapter 1: In Service to the Cause
The issue of black military service was hotly debated in the country. It was discussed seriously in the South and supported by General Lee. The measure passed towards the end of the war, though no significant participation in combat ever resulted.
Since about 1 million white men were serving in the Confederate army, Southern society was heavily dependent on black laborers to fill the void.
Sub-Chapter 2: Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks
Early in the Civil War, soldiers adopted nicknames for one another. The term “Yankee” had existed since colonial time and Union soldiers became known simply as “Yank” or “Yankee.” Since the South was considered to be in rebellion, Southern soldiers were often referred to as “rebels” or simply as “Reb.”
Soldiers on both sides thought their war experience would be brief and end in triumph. They quickly found out that their principle enemies were not on the battlefield, but instead were sickness, mud, heat, cold, hunger and loneliness.
Most soldiers served in the infantry. Only 20% joined the cavalry and just 5% served in the artillery.
Living in an army camp with a thousand other men was a new experience for most men as it was the first time many had been away from home. Life in army camp was monotonous and the days long. The day would begin at 5 a.m. and often run until 9 p.m. with breakfast and dinner serving as the two main meals. Most of a soldier's time was spent learning basic soldier skills such as marching, handling equipment, building a fire, cooking their own food, and building earthworks. Among the most difficult of skills was the nine-step process for loading a rifle.
On the march, soldiers were expected to travel 10-30 miles per day and march at a rate of 2 ½ miles per hour.
The encampments were often unsanitary, as the grounds were reused and contaminated by different regiments over and over again.
The early excitement of war faded quickly for most soldiers as they began to understand the true realities of war.
Sub-Chapter 3: The Soldiers’ Life
There were no televisions, radios, or iPods. The only mode of communication for a soldier was through letters.
Music helped the soldiers as well, serving as a diversion, inspiration, and reminder of home. Songs like “Dixie” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” were popular.
On average, soldiers spent 49 of every 50 days in camp. Most soldiers’ days in camp were spent complaining about officers, drills, and especially food.
Soldiers also suffered from exposure to diseases such as measles. Clean water was in short supply and wounds would become infected because they could not be cleaned properly. Two-thirds of the soldiers died from sickness; only one-third died fighting in battle.
New developments in medical care emerged. The use of ambulances emerged to help get wounded soldiers off the battlefield and to medical care quickly. The largest hospital in Washington DC at the time of First Manassas held only 40 patients, but by war’s end, hospitals on both sides frequently cared for hundreds of soldiers at a time. The modern hospital system is really a product of the Civil War.
Sub-Chapter 4: Faith and Courage
Soldiers needed more than just courage to endure the hardships of war. Many soldiers carried small bibles.
God provided hope and a sense of safety. Both Northern and Southern soldiers thought God was on their side.
Soldiers feared death, but also feared losing their courage in front of their comrades.
Great heights of courage were exhibited during the war: wounded men still fighting, privates taking over when an officer fell, and soldiers running into a storm of bullets.
Sub-Chapter 5: The Soldiers’ Bonds
More than 700,000 men died during the war. In modern terms this would equate to over 6 million people.
As the veterans of the Civil War grew older, they realized the significance of what they had experienced and bonded together.
Neither side, Union or Confederate, apologized for what they had done, but the veterans of this war still shared a common bond. @BlueRidgeStreaming
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