Technological Advancements During The Civil War

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The Civil War was a major conflict that took place in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the northern states and the southern states, which had seceded to form the Confederate States of America. The primary cause of this war was the disagreement over the institution of slavery, with the South seeking to preserve it and the North aiming for its abolition. The war was characterized by intense fighting, mass casualties, and significant political and social change. The Civil War is the bloodiest war in American history due to outdated fighting techniques, advanced technologies, and inadequate medical care. Military tactics, technological advancements, medical care, and disease management had a profound impact on shaping the length and outcome of the Civil War. Military tactics had a monumental impact on the outcomes of the Civil War. At the beginning of the war, both sides used traditional linear formations to fight in. This tactic caused mass casualties due to the accuracy of their weapons. The defensive position held by the Confederate Army was also deeply important to their successes. This is because they knew their environment and were incredibly motivated to fight against what they …show more content…

The introduction of rifled muskets and the minie ball bullet greatly extended the effective range of infantry and caused shots to be more accurate. This advancement in military technology resulted in high casualty rates. Another technological innovation created during this time was the telegraph, which allowed information to be passed within seconds to the battlefield. The telegraph greatly enhanced communication, intelligence, and informational reports. Railways also played an important role by facilitating rapid movements of troops and supplies over long distances. The efficient use of railways allowed commanders to concentrate forces rapidly, which influenced the outcomes of key