Modern Weapons and Tactics in the Civil War, 1861 - 1865 The Civil War (1861-1865) produced more casualties than any other war in American history. Union deaths amounted to 360,000 while Confederate losses totaled 258,000. Part of the reason both sides lost so many men is because of the weapons and tactics employed during the conflict. Many military inventions and innovations came about during theCivil War. The telegraph made communication easier while railroads made the movement of troops quicker. …showed first 75 words of 690 total…

…showed last 75 words of 690 total…ing for position. Both sides had trouble exploiting their victories because most battles were long, bloody affairs that left the troops physically and psychologically exhausted. Politicians in Washington and Richmond criticized the generals for not pursuing their foes, but these statesmen rarely understood the logistics of the situation. It was nearly impossible to maneuver an enemy army into surrendering. Not surprisingly, Union and Confederate generals alike concluded that the best defense was a good offense.