Question

What were the major issues that prisoners faced in Andersonville prison? Select two (

Answer 1

Andersonville Prison, officially known as Camp Sumter, was a Confederate military prison during the American Civil War, notorious for its inhumane conditions. Two major issues that prisoners faced in Andersonville were:

1. **Overcrowding and Inadequate Shelter**: The prison was designed to hold around 10,000 prisoners but often housed more than twice that number. This overcrowding led to severe shortages of basic necessities. Many prisoners were forced to sleep on the ground with little to no shelter from the elements. The crude and crowded conditions exacerbated the spread of diseases and contributed to high mortality rates.

2. **Food and Water Shortages**: Prisoners at Andersonville faced severe shortages of food and clean drinking water. The rations provided were meager and often inedible, consisting of moldy bread and cornmeal. Additionally, the supply of fresh water was limited, leading to contamination and further illness. Malnutrition was rampant, and many prisoners suffered from starvation or illnesses related to poor nutrition.

These issues contributed to the appalling living conditions in Andersonville, resulting in significant suffering and loss of life among the inmates.