-
Minie ball
The standard rifle bulled used in war. From France, it made the rifle more accurate and led to staggering casualties
-
Picket
One or more soldiers responsible for guard duty, always watchful for enemy approach
-
Rank
Military leadership in order of importance and decision-making responsibilities usually prioitized from the Commander-in-Chiev, General of the Army, Lt. General, Major General, Brigadier General, Colonel, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, First Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, Private
-
Rations
Military term for food
-
Rebel or Confederate, Butternut, Grayback, Johnny Reb or Reb
A slang term for a soldier fighting for the South
-
Recruit
A soldier who has just signed up to be a soldier and is without battle experience
-
Rifled musket
The standard infantry weapon used in the war
-
Salt pork
The most common meat ration during the war, along with hardtack and coffee. The pork was salted to preserve it.
-
Secede
To withdraw from the union, as 11 southern states did in 1860-1861
-
Strategy
The art of military command as to an overall plan of war
-
Sulter
Dry goods salesman who traveled with the Northern armies.
-
Tactics
The art of maneuvering troops on a battlefield
-
Torpedo
Civil War term for an underwater mine that exploded. Used on rivers to defend against enemy ships
-
Turning movement
a military tactic. Sending troops around the enemy's flank side to attack his line of communications in the rear of his battle line.
-
Union
The collection of 23 Northern states which fought the rebellious Convederacy during the Civil War. Also called the United States of America.
-
Yank or The Blue, Federals, or Billy Yanks
Term for soldiers who fought for the Union
-
Zauave
Soldiers in voloful uniforms patterned after French infantry soldiers and who specialized on precision drilling.
|
|