Military Use of the Railroads in the American Civil War

Abstract

The Civil War is a battle which took place within United States between the southern and northern regions. It lasted for four years and put to an end the era of Second World War. After four years of battle, more often than not in the Southern regions, the association laid down their arms and slavery was banned all over the nation. Northern area won the war for the reason of many people fought on behalf of northern side as they were on the right path considering the ethical perspective of an individual. Problems that caused to war took place were resolved in the modernization times. Still the civil war marks the history of United States. In this paper, we will be discussing about the most efficient use of the railroad system by Northern States during the Civil War. In addition, the paper will also be analyzing work done by General Hermman Hauft that has assisted the North to make their railroad systems efficient.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion2

The Civil War and Railroads2

The Civil War3

Northern States6

Union Strategies7

Who Fought7

Significance of the Civil War9

Troops Transportation by Railroads10

Troop and Hospital Trains14

Logistics14

Railway Artillery and Armored Trains14

Railway Engineering and Asset Management15

United States Military Railroads' Construction Corps - Herman Haupt15

Post-War18

Consequences of the Civil War on the development of American Railroads18

Cooperation19

New Function19

Conclusion20

End Notes21

Military Use of the Railroads in the American Civil War

Introduction

The American Civil War is one of the most significant battles in the history of America. In addition, the Civil War is one of the deadliest wars in the history of America and it is considered to be pivotal to create the official and most of the principles and living standards that Americans have today. It is rightly said that states that were involved in the war are the main reasons for shaping the current United States of America.

Northern Railways was not performing their parts for the war as the executives were more concerned about their earnings of the use of government of their locomotives. Consequently, the railroads and the telegraph law on January 31, 1862 were adopted. The law gives the president the power to seize the railroads that were not fulfilling the needs of the respective people. Although very few took possession in fact, they became known collectively as the United States of Military Railroad (U.S.M.R.R.). These railroads were supervised by the Ministry of War. The fear of having confiscated their railways has forced leaders to comply with legislation. Railways in the southern states taken by the Union forces became part of the U.S.M.R.R.

The paper discusses about the North's most efficient use of the railroad system that helped the Northern States to win the war. In addition, the paper will also be arguing that the work of General Hermman Hauft also helped the North to make their railroad systems efficient.

Discussion

The North is considered to be better equipped with troops and supplies via rail because they did not have any problems with rail grades, the South recognized that ...