Which of the following best describes the conditions faced by soldiers during the Civil War?

Question

1. Improved military technology meant that most soldiers died instantly of battlefield wounds.
2. Poor conditions were made worse in that most soldiers were young men under the age of 21.
3. Food was bad and scarce, but plentiful Southern cotton was used to make clothes and shelter appropriate to the seasons.
4. Prisoners of War on both sides were generally treated well and released soon after a battle.

Answer 1

The best description of the conditions faced by soldiers during the Civil War from the options given is:

2. Poor conditions were made worse in that most soldiers were young men under the age of 21.

While all the statements contain elements of truth, option 2 highlights the youthful demographic of soldiers, many of whom were inexperienced and faced harsh and often brutal conditions, including inadequate supplies, poor sanitation, and the psychological effects of warfare.

Here’s a brief critique of the other statements:

1. Improved military technology did lead to more devastating wounds, but many soldiers did not die instantly and faced significant suffering.
2. Food was indeed often scarce and conditions poor; however, plentiful Southern cotton was not necessarily used for making appropriate clothing or shelter for soldiers.
3. Prisoners of War faced harsh conditions and were not generally treated well, often suffering from malnutrition and disease, and they were not always released soon after a battle.