First Modern War - Part II

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 second post following this theme will discuss two other inventions and innovations: naval warfare and firearm improvements. Unlike before, these items had a direct influence on the increase of casualties and destruction in the Civil War.

Naval Warfare: The naval sphere experienced a significant development which was well-used in the Civil War- the use of iron-clad ships. These ships were able to better withstand engagements, and became formidable adversaries for traditional wooden ships. When a previous Union ship known as the Merrimac was raised and outfitted with armor plating by the Confederates, it easily destroyed many of the Union wooden ships. Soon, the USS Monitor (the Union's first ironclad ship) engaged the vessel; the conflict ended in an unusual draw. However, it soon became clear that the wooden ship was soon to become obsolete. 

One of the main tactics of the Union offensive was to blockade Southern ports, and in response the Confederates developed a fleet of swift and nimble ships to run the blockades; these ships were known as blockade-runners and they had steam power in addition to traditional sails. The Confederates also developed the first naval mines in response to Union naval advances. When a ship contacted a mine it would explode and sink the hapless ship. These mines were promising and sank at least forty Union ships.


Firearm Improvements: Any ordnance improvements that occurred in the Civil War would not only bring about more bloodshed and destruction, but would also change the way in which the war was waged. In the beginning of the war, most infantryman were equipped with muskets that had to be muzzle-loaded; it was estimated that one could load, aim, and fire the weapon three times in one minute. Improved manufacturing and design methods allowed for rifles to replace muskets by the end of the war. Rifling increased the range and accuracy of firearms in a drastic way, and had a significant effect on the casualties of the war. Both B. Tyler Henry and Christopher Spencer revolutionized firearms design by using manufactured metal cartridges for ammunition, as well as drastically reducing musket loading time.

Throughout the Civil War, technological advances for increased weapons efficiency were constantly sought after. These innovations would effect the way in which war was waged, as well as how drastic the death toll would become. It could very well be argued that the casualty numbers wouldn't be as high without the advances in technology and warfare. Overall, the inventions on and off the battlefield would shape the very identity of the Civil War.