There were many technological developments during the Civil War, including rifled artillery, repeating rifles, trench warfare, armored ships, submarines and air reconnaissance (balloons). But perhaps none of these had as much impact as an existing technology - railroads - that were used in a widespread manner for the first time in the Civil War. Railroads shipped supplies, troops, wounded soldiers, horses and mules. Whole battles were fought over the possession of railroads (Shiloh, Monocacy, High Bridge, Allatoona Pass). The purpose of Cavalry changed radically between the beginning of the war from reconnaissance to raiding. And the raids were often targeted at railroad infrastructure. This book includes 60 illustrations.
There were many technological developments during the Civil War, including rifled artillery, repeating rifles, trench warfare, armored ships, submarines and air reconnaissance (balloons). But perhaps none of these had as much impact as an existing technology - railroads - that were used in a widespread manner for the first time in the Civil War. Railroads shipped supplies, troops, wounded soldiers, horses and mules. Whole battles were fought over the possession of railroads (Shiloh, Monocacy, High Bridge, Allatoona Pass). The purpose of Cavalry changed radically between the beginning of the war from reconnaissance to raiding. And the raids were often targeted at railroad infrastructure. This book includes 60 illustrations.