Union Troops of the American Civil War

Crowood Press, 2005. New book, 96 pages. A catastrophic and ruinous civil war raged across the fledgling United States between 1861 and 1865. The conflict pitted brother against brother, father against son and friend against friend. This book minutely examines the uniforms and equipment of the Union troops of, primarily, the Northern United States. 'Billy Yanks' or, as the Confederates called them rather less flatteringly, 'Blue Bellies', were recruited in vast numbers. First, second or third generation European immigrants and others from further afield flooded the ranks of the Union armies. After 1863 African Americans were recruited in huge numbers, following the Emancipation Declaration. Although they often outnumbered the Confederates, the Union troops were usually poorly led and trained, yet by force of arms they crushed the rebellion, culminating in Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox in 1865. This book examines not only the uniforms, but also the equipment, weapons, battle flags, tactics and organisation of the Union infantrymen, artillery and cavalry. It is concise and fact-packed, with over 100 full colour photographs of re-enactors equipped with accurate replica and original uniforms and equipment in action and at rest. It will be indispensable for military historians, collectors, wargamers and re-enactors.. Soft Cover. As New. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.