First Modern War - Part I

The Civil War is considered to be the first modern war, due to both the technological advances in communication, weapons, ships, and transportation along with the casualties and desolation they caused. The first post following this theme will involve three innovations: the telegraph, photography, and transportation. Although these inventions may have not increased casualties and destruction, they played a major role in the character of the Civil War. 

Transportation: The biggest innovation in this category is most definitely the railroads. Railroads could be used to transport supplies, troops, ammunition, and other supplies, which allowed for greater mobilization of troops.They also became central to the plans of  military campaigns, and would be constructed as the troops secured certain areas to increase mobility and convenience even further. Overall, this mode of  transportation allowed for a bigger war with increased access to supplies and troops.

Telegraph: The telegraph was invented in 1844 by Samuel F. B. Morse, and was soon adopted as the most important form of military communication in the Civil War. Telegraph lines and signal towers were quickly built which served military purposes only, and communication in this form, along with battle information, became increasingly important. Because the Civil War was the first war in which news media played a major role, it suddenly became necessary for the military to manage the media exposure. Maintaining public support was critical, which was partially shaped by telegraph communications. 

Photography: Mathew Brady was probably the most influential photographer of the Civil War, although his success did not occur until after his death. At the beginning of the war, Brady decided to make a record of the entire conflict, which he did along with twenty assistants. After investing a hefty sum in the project with certainty of later government purchase, Brady went bankrupt when the US Government showed no interest in the photos. Eventually, they were bought by the government, and would create an incredible and priceless record of the Civil War. Although the results of photography had no immediate affect on the war itself, it is impossible to imagine the Civil War without this memorable resource.