The American Civil War was called the first modern war. That had to do with the advancement in weaponry and battlefield tactics. Prior to the 1860s, infantry and cavalry units fought in close quarters. Offensive military charges were boldly proclaimed as the way war was won. Forts made of upright timbers or stone walls guarded ports and rivers. However, Civil War arms changed all of that. The old way of warfare was found lacking in the Civil War and a new style of fighting emerged.
There has been a lot of things written about the American Civil War, but one of least talked about is the colossal effort it took to move the massive armies during the war. It was no small task to supply over 100,000 men. Everything that was needed had to be carried by individual soldiers or loaded and transported on wagons. If there wasn't a road, soldiers built it so that large transport wagon trains could travel with supplies behind the army. Listen as we discuss the importance of moving the army in the Civil War.
