What caused the tragic conditions at Andersonville prisoner of war camp during the Civil War?

Question

(one paragraph)

Answer 1

The tragic conditions at Andersonville prisoner of war camp during the Civil War were primarily caused by a combination of high population density, inadequate resources, and a breakdown of authority. The camp was originally designed for 10,000 prisoners but ended up accommodating over 30,000 Confederate soldiers. This overcrowding resulted in the scarcity of essentials such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. The lack of resources, coupled with the Confederate government's inability to adequately support the prisoners and maintain the camp, led to widespread disease, malnutrition, and death. Additionally, there was a breakdown of authority within the camp, as guards were undertrained, under-resourced, and often brutal towards the prisoners. These factors contributed to the tragic conditions endured by both Union and Confederate prisoners at Andersonville.