Individual Weapon Technology and Tactical Formation Adaptations during the Civil War

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Abstract

In recent times the debate over which type of individual weapon would be most effective during the civil war has ensued. Many believe that the rifled bore was the most effective of the weapons; still others believe that smooth bore muskets proved to be as effective. This paper compares the different types of weapons and the effect each system had during the formations that ensued prior to the final assault. The offensive formation during the later part of the civil war transitioned based up the introduction of the rifled bore and is the focus of examination while simultaneously comparing the different weapons. Lastly, during this time of technology and tactic transition the NCO corps was also adapting to meet the challenge by breaking tradition with from its traditional European roots.

Individual Weapon Technology and Tactical Formation Adaptations during the Civil War

During the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, the technologies and tactics that were based on the traditional European battles and training were still in use. With the evolution of the some key technologies, an individual’s weapon, it forced a need to also evolve the offensive tactics and training that were used in battle.

The introduction and use of the use of rifled bored vs. the smooth bore weapons necessitated the change in large offensive formations. The transition was hard pressed as the traditional style was fully ingrained in the Soldiers and had historical data that supported its use. Meanwhile, technological advances in weapons moved swiftly and were a cause for concern with the mounting deaths.

As the individual’s weapon technology transitioned to rifled bores, few leaders took the initiative to be innovative and adapt fro...

... middle of paper ...

...at the men behind him would trample him and aggravate the wound. Men could also be tripped up if they were too close to their fallen comrade, resulting in more men falling and thus breaking up the cohesion of the unit, reducing the strength of the attack and weakening the moral of the men.”

VI. Conclusion

Works Cited

Fisher, Ernest F. Jr. (n.d.). Small Arms. Retrieved from http://www.history.army.mil/staffride/1st%20bull%20run/Small.htm

Orr, Timothy (2009). Infantry Soldiers. Retrieved from http://www.pacivilwar150.com/war/infantry.aspx

Griffith, Paddy. Battle Tactics of the Civil. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1989

Stanage, Justin (n.d.). The Rifle-Musket vs. The Smoothbore Musket, a Comparison of the Effectiveness of the Two Types of Weapons Primarily at Short Ranges.. Retrieved from

http://www.iusb.edu/~journal/static/volumes/2000/stanage.html

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