American History Hit 5 Key Weapons of the Civil War
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Jul 31, 2025 Cecily Zander, an Assistant Professor at Texas Women's University and author of 'The Army Under Fire', joins to discuss the pivotal role of weaponry in the Civil War. She breaks down the deadly effectiveness of muskets and the innovative ironclads that transformed naval warfare. The conversation highlights crucial cavalry tactics, the strategic importance of supply lines, and how these advancements laid the groundwork for modern military technology. Zander also touches on the broader legacy of the war’s innovations in shaping future combat strategies.
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More than Just Killing Power
- A good weapon is more than lethal power; it must support logistics and communication in war.
- The Civil War was won as much by movement and supply as by killing.
Revolutionizing Small Arms Accuracy
- The Springfield rifled musket dramatically increased accuracy and range with its rifling and Minié ball.
- Soldiers used outdated close-range tactics, leading to deadly effects from long-range firepower.
Medical Struggles with Minié Balls
- Civil War surgeons faced grim conditions with bullets often lodged inside bodies and no germ theory yet.
- 175,000 gunshot wounds treated by Union Army highlight the medical challenges of wartime injuries.
