1. Imagine yourself as a soldier
Life of a Soldier
Imagine yourself as a soldier

2. Who were you? Nearly all soldiers in both armies were young men White
Many younger than 18
Volunteered
African Americans were not originally allowed to join until the need for soldiers increased.
Only in the North

3. Why would you enlist? Motivation for soldiers to enlist in the army
Patriotism (Both sides loved their country)
Honor (to not be a coward)
Glory (some wanted the adventure)
Later in the war, many soldiers would be drafted (required to join the army)

4. Letter to Sarah
If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution…
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but [the Almighty] could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
Sullivan Ballou, July 14, 1861
What does Ballou claim is his motivation for fighting?

5. What would You have as a soldier?
Weapons: New technology
Rifles with a rifled barrel (shoot more accurate)
Minie ball bullet (caused brutal wounds)
Uniform and supplies
Limited
Confederate soldiers often did not have uniforms and brought their clothes from home

6. What would you do every day?
Usually, nothing
“The war is 99% boredom,1% sheer terror”
Most time was spent in camp waiting for battle
Training
Writing letters to family
This leaves a lot of time to think about death
It was all around
When you finally enter battle, fear takes over

7. What would happen to you?
¼ of soldiers would die during the war, but maybe not for the reason you think
2/3 of deaths were due to disease and infection
Disease and Infection
Camps had terrible conditions and sanitation
Soldiers had poor hygiene
If wounded, doctors did not disinfect tools or hands
If you made it home, the images of death would always stay with you

8. Letter to Sarah Ballou died one week later at Bull Run
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
Sullivan Ballou, July 14, 1861
What would lead to a soldier like Ballou to think so negatively that he would die?
Ballou died one week later at Bull Run