Freedom and preservation of way of life was what so many Americans wanted for themselves and their families, and they were willing to give their lives. Northern Union soldiers fought for the cause, and the Southern Confederates countered the attack. No matter what side you thought was right; all society was impacted by the Civil War between 1861 and 1865. With the commencement of the Civil War, society in America was dramatically transformed. In many ways the war was revolutionary; the re-definition of northern and southern economies, introduction of new war tactics, and the role of woman in society.
Southerners and Northerners were financially affected by the Civil War. Economies were re-defined; the markets transitioned away from plantations and industries expanded. The cotton industry in the South was destroyed by the Civil War because the South found it difficult to find a market for their cotton after the North blockaded the Southern coasts. Chapter 15 illustrated, “Because of the Union blockade, the [South] government had no choice but to build an industrial sector itself,” such as arsenals, government-owned clothing and shoe factories, mines, and powder works. The Northern economic power was strengthened through the introduction of new banking, monetary, and tax structures. Tax laws and higher tariffs were passed by Congress in 1863. In fact, the expansion of the industrial capacity of the North was one factor that aided in their victory. Yet Southern and Northern economies both dealt with debilitating inflation because of the amount of money needed to pay for the war and its military supplies.
The war also revolutionized society with the introduction of new war tactics. Per Chapter 15, “From 1861 to 1865, Americans killed Americans on a scale never before seen.” Modern technology and new strategy made the war bloodier and deadlier. During the Civil War, muskets and cannons were replaced with high-powered rifles. According to Chapter 15, “Rifles propelled spinning bullets four times as far as muskets – about 320 yards.” Due to these new war tactics, generals had to adapt their tactics to warfare. It became more advantageous to entrench defensive forces, rather than have infantry units charge in close-order formation. As well, naval technology was innovated by the South with floating mines, the ironclad warships, and the submarine. The ironclad warships were built from radical designs to layer their wooden hulls with armor plates then topped with turrets holding guns. These warships were built by both Southern and Northern forces. The world’s first submarine was also designed by the South during the Civil War; however the invention was halted because of several accidents.
New war tactics and technology left many more injured, thus the need for nurses became a necessity for the survival of the wounded which brought women onto the battlefields. Per Chapter 15, “thousands of women on both sides defied prejudices about female delicacy and volunteered to nurse the wounded.” Additionally Chapter 15 stated, “The war disrupted families, leaving women at home with additional responsibilities while offering new opportunities to others for wartime work in factories, offices and hospitals.” As war called men away to fight, women often took over their jobs. The amount of women in manufacturing positions rose from prewar 25% to 33% postwar. Women were significant either on the battlefield or at home on farms or while at industries. The war gave new opportunities for women, although it took many years afterward for them to become powerful enough to vote and legally impact government decisions.
In conclusion, economics, new war tactics, and the role of women in society during the Civil War all had some bearing on how American society is shaped today. We as Americans owe a debt of gratitude for the lives that were given for the freedom we have today and the way of life that was sustained. No matter what side you would have chosen during the Civil War, one cannot argue that the Civil War was revolutionary. Even Chapter 15 asserted, “The Civil War had a profound effect on individual lives.” Because of the war, America now has banking, monetary, and tax structures. Furthermore, developments in our war technology and strategy during the Civil War have made our military stronger and more advanced today. Further, the progression of women in society began due to the necessity of war that was neither able to be prevented nor prepared for. Let us not forget all that was gained in society through the blood and tears that were shed during the Civil War.
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