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The Early Years of War

The Early Years of War. Life of Soldiers . Largest group of soldiers were farmers Some immigrants also served African Americans were not allowed to fight early on Poor hygiene and unsanitary, weeks without washing

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The Early Years of War

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  1. The Early Years of War

  2. Life of Soldiers Largest group of soldiers were farmers Some immigrants also served African Americans were not allowed to fight early on Poor hygiene and unsanitary, weeks without washing Many got Sick because of contaminated water and food (Doctors did not wash hands or tools) More soldiers would die from disease and infection than in battle.

  3. Military Technology Battle tactics and military weapons improved which cause high casualties Rifles using the minie ball (hollow bullet) were more accurate and deadly than guns in the past Ironclad warships covered with iron were used instead of wooden ships to absorb cannon fire The Union’s Monitorand the Confederacy’s Merrimack battled off the coast of Virginia in the first battle between ironclads

  4. Early Union leaders • Lincoln had given command of the Union forces to Gen. George McClellan in the East and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in the West • McClellan: Very good general for training soldiers however, very cautious • Grant: More reckless, but very good in battle. • Took Tennessee with ironclads by controlling the rivers • Battle of Shiloh: Grant fiercely attacks the Confederates and wins but with major losses.

  5. Strategy starts working • Union Admiral David Farragut takes New Orleans (the South’s most important city) • This was a huge blow as it cut the Confederacy in two pieces (as the Union wanted) • However, the Confederates were making great strides in the East • Confederate General Robert E. Lee began his battle against McClellan in the East • The ensuing battles became known as the Seven Days’ Battles that Lee was able to win for the South

  6. Lee’s Invasion North • Lee decided to change the Confederate strategy to offensive war. • He decided to invade the North for a few reasons • Force Lincoln into peace talks • Confederates could plunder the North for food • To show the Confederacy could win and convince Europe to help • Battle of Antietam: The bloodiest day in American history • McClellan intercepts Lee and they battle at Antietam, Maryland • The battle is terrible for both sides but Lee loses ¼ of his men and retreats • McClellan decides to let his men rest instead of finish Lee off.

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