The Weapons of the American Civil War

The Civil War, also called The War Between the States, was one of the bloodiest wars in American history. What made the Civil War such a massacre? The Civil War was such a bloodbath because the technological advances were so far superior to the tactics of the infantry, that the weapons virtually obliterated the soldiers. Soldiers would form lines known as a battalions. In these battalions, soldiers would basically march to their deaths. In addition to weapons doing so much damage, fortification on the battlefield was far more advanced than had ever been before. The Cheveau-de-frise was the main focus of armored fortification in the Civil War. This fortification consisted of 10 to 12 foot …show more content…

The Parrot rifle was constructed of bronze, which was very strong, but, when fired, would wear down easily. Parrot rifles were made in the North for $187 to the government. But, since the bronze was so weak, the manufacturers had to use something stronger and more durable. Manufacturers turned to cast iron. This worked well for some time until the iron would crack, leaving the rifle useless.9
Part II: Confederate Weapons and Artillery Although the Union had many powerful weapons, soldiers from the Southern states had a much wider array of weapons. The British manufactured the main rifle for the Confederates. The Whitworth, as it was called, was a 49 inch muzzle loader. The weapon had a .451 inch bore and was remarkably accurate. The weapon fired an unusual type of ammunition. The ammunition was a six sided hexagonal "bolt", and could be fired roughly 1,800 yards with the telescopic sight correctly attached. The improved accuracy and and the shortened length of this weapon is undoubtedly the reasons the Confederate soldiers continually used it.10 Another powerful, reliable weapon the Confederates used was the Enfield. The Enfileds were imported from Britain and got their name from the factory which they were manufactured in Enfield, England. The Enfield weighed in at a very hefty nine pounds three