2. Who were the soldiers? Required to be at least 18 years old but many were younger than that Felt strong loyalty toward the ideas their government supported Many joined to lead lives of excitement and adventure Thought the war would be short and exciting
9. Camp and Supplies Each soldier carried half of a two man tent to use at night. Armies did not battle during winter so more permanent camps were built. Four or more soldiers would build a log hut together. In the winter men had time to write letters, read, sing songs, have snowball fights… Civilian workers (often women and children) produced supplies for both armies.
10.
11. Meals Soldiers in both armies had a hard time finding food. Meat was packed in salt water to preserve it. Union soldiers had dried cakes or pressed bits of potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. Sometimes they found pieces of roots and leaves in these cakes. Union soldiers received supplies more regularly than Confederate soldiers. Hungry soldiers stole fruit from orchards and supplies from peoples’ homes.
12. Hardtack These flour and water crackers were thick and so hard that sometimes soldiers called them “teeth dullers”. Sometimes insects called weevils got into the hardtack.
13. Disease More men died of disease than in battle! Thousands of men died before even firing a single shot. Examples of diseases: chicken pox, measles, mumps dysentery-intestinal disease Sanitation in the camps was not good. People did not know about germs or bacteria.
14. Battles Most soldiers had a musket with a bayonet. Bullets called Minie Balls caused wounds that were difficult to heal. Cannons
15. Letter Writing Assignment 1. Dear Insert Name Here, 2. Date: December 1, 1861 (***this is winter in the North) 2. Introduction: Tell where you are (North or South). You may pick a specific state or city if you choose. 3. Body: Tell about your day. Include anything that we learned today. Include: What was the weather like? How do you feel about the war? Why? What was the food like? Are you sick? Do you know anyone who is sick? Other 4. Conclusion: Finish up your letter, tell what you hope will happen. 5. Closing: Sincerely, Love, Yours… 6. Name on top of your paper if you make up a name. 7. ** Pick if you want to be a Union or Confederate soldier, write from their point of view the whole time!
16. December 1, 1861 Dear Mother, I am writing to you from North Carolina. It hasn’t been too cold here, not like it is back home in Potsdam. I used to think this war was going to be exciting but now I am just tired of it. The food is terrible. I can’t wait to come home and eat something that isn’t hard and seems like it could break my teeth. Thankfully my health is fine but my friend Bill has been sick for days with dysentery. I hope this terrible war will be over soon and the South will rejoin the North. Sincerely, S. Narrow
