Osprey's Union Infantryman vs Confederate Infantryman

What many consider the first 'modern' war, the US Civil War was pretty well one of those deals that was predetermined. The highly industrialized north of the nation was pitted against the mainly agrarian south. The north also held a greater population to provide for a larger military. However, things were not as clear cut at the time and there were factors in favor of the southern military. One was that, thanks to a mostly rural population, experience with firearms was much higher than in the mostly urban north. This resulted in a disparity in the quality of the troops. The leadership of the south was also considered by many to be generally better. In part because some of the best from the US Army decided to go with their state and fought with the Confederacy.

Many today do not realize how strong the feelings were for men in regard to their states. It was sort of a 'mini-nationalism' where the good of the nation as a whole wasn't as strong as allegiance to one's home and family. It helps to explain why, with the capitals of the two parts so close together, neither was captured early, despite many attempts.

This book concentrates on the eastern front during the war and looks at the standard fighting soldier of both sides. This was a time when once a soldier's agreed terms of service were over, he was free to simply grab his gear and leave. Enlistments were short to begin with and this high turnover was often a cause of frustration for career soldiers.

Three campaigns are covered in this book. First Manassas/Bull Run in 1861, Gettysburg in 1863 and Chaffin's Farm/New Market Heights in 1864. The reason for two names for some battles is how they were named by the two sides. What these battles show is a progression from where the Confederates had the edge to the turning point in the war and to the supremacy of the Union. It also showed how battle changed with Bull Run being a more fluid fight, Gettysburg showing the beginnings of fixed positions and Chaffin's Farm being one that was almost WWI in nature due to the nature of the defenses. It also showed the changes in tactics as the improvement in weaponry that was enjoyed by the north during that time.

As with other books in this series, we look at each side in terms of leadership, training, tactics and equipment. This is followed by several battle examples as illustrated above, to see how each side fares and how much they learn from the experience. The book is superbly illustrated with period photos and illustrations as well as art work and maps. It makes for a real insight into the two groups and is a fascinating read in its own right. I'm sure you will enjoy this one.