PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Recruit
A soldier who has just signed up to be a soldier and without battle experience.
Rifled musket
The standard infantry weapon used in the war. Usually .58 or .577 caliber, the "rifle" fired a minie ball through a spiral grooved barrel, spinning the bullet for more velocity and accuracy.
Salt park
The most common meal ration durning 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. Durning the war, Southerners were frequently called "secesh" by Northerners.
Strategy
The art of military command as to an overall plan of war. How to deploy troops and where to deploy troops are components of strategic planning.
Sutler
Dry goods salesman who traveled with the Northern armies. Considered necessary for the provision of extra items the soldiers, sutlers often cheater and overcharge military customers.
Tactics
The art of maneuvering troops on a battlefield.
Torpedo
Civil war term for underwater mine that exploded. Used on rivers to defend against army ships.
Turning movement
A military tactic. Sending troops around the armies flank (side) to attack his line of communications in the rear of his battle line.
Union
The collection of 23 in northern states which fought the rebellious confederacy during the Civil War. Also called the United States of America.
Yank or The Blue, Federals, or Billy Yank
Term for soldiers who fought for the union.
Zouave
Soldiers in colorful uniforms patterned after French infantry soldiers, and who specialized in precision drilling.
