Disruptive Technologies of the American Civil War

Technologies of the American Civil War

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Abstract

More than 18 specific types of disruptive technologies used in the American Civil War. Infantry tactics evolved to flanking maneuvers and suppression fire and are still considered modern today. Iron clad Monitors evolved in to great battleships that ruled the seas for the following 80 years. Submarines still lurk beneath the waves and require massive resources to counter their effect. Finally, the railroad revolutionized logistics and allowed the fielding and support of massive armies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page 1

Abstract 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 4

Strategy 4

Minie Ball and Rifled Musket 5

Iron Clad Warships 8

Submarine 10

Railroads 11

Conclusion 12

References 14

INTRODUCTION

In the American Civil War submarines sank blockading war ships, trains transported troops, balloons were used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting, the telegraph provided instant intelligence and the rifled musket and Minie ball decimated Napoleonic troop formations. These were among more than 18 specific types of disruptive technologies used in the American Civil War. The purpose of this project is to describe disruptive technologies of this conflict and their impact on history. This paper will examine the effects of the rifled musket and Minie ball, the iron clad warship, the submarine and the railroad. Of course, these disruptive technologies were employed at the tactical level of warfare, yet the most dramatic disruption was seen at the war’s strategic level.

STRATEGY

Though technically not a technology, strategies pursued during this conflict revolutionized warfare and are still seen today. The West Point teachings of this eras officers...