Life During Wartime Chapter 11.3
African-American Soldiers 1862 African-Americans allowed to serve in the military By wars end – 10% of Union army was African-American Served in separate regiments commanded by white officers
Discrimination White soldiers = $13 per month plus $3.50 for clothing Black soldiers = $10 per month with no clothing allowance Higher mortality rates
Soldier Hardships Uniforms Union – blue wool Confederacy – grey wool Poor living conditions, diet, and medical care Many soldiers didn’t shower or wash up
More Men Are Needed April 1862 Confederacy passes conscription act Conscription: involuntary enrollment of people for military service. (Draft)
What did they eat? Union rations: Beans, meat (usually salted), hardtack, and coffee Confederate rations: “Cush” (stew of beef cubes, cornbread, bacon grease)
Forage Cap and Dog Tent
Over 60,000 soldiers received amputations Medicine Poorly trained doctors Over 60,000 soldiers received amputations Unsanitary instruments and conditions High risk of infection
Surgeon’s Tools
Nurses and Sanitation U.S. Sanitation Commission Improve hygienic conditions of army camps Recruit and train nurses Taught how to keep water supply clean
Civil War Economy Northern economic growth Wages did not keep up with prices 1863- nation’s first income tax law Tax takes a percentage of your income
Civil War Economy Southern food shortages Cost to live: 1861 – avg. cost $6.65 per month on food 1863 – avg. $68 per month Union blockade hurt the South