How did the north and south recruit troops after the initial excitement of the war disappeared?
My, you and Matthew have a lot of questions about the Civil War.
I'll bet you can find this answer in your textbook.
i forgot my textbook at class
http://www.civilwarhome.com/enlisting.htm
i didn't find the answer
After the initial excitement of the war subsided, both the North and the South had to find ways to recruit troops to replenish their ranks. Here's how they went about it:
1. North:
The Union, or the North, had a larger population and a more developed infrastructure, giving it certain advantages in recruitment. They implemented several methods:
a. Draft: In 1863, as voluntary enlistment numbers began to decline, the North introduced the Conscription Act, also known as the draft. It forced eligible men to serve in the military unless they found a substitute or paid a fee to be exempted.
b. Recruiting Offices: The North established numerous recruiting offices throughout cities and towns. Civil War enthusiasts, politicians, and Union sympathizers were often involved in these efforts. The offices aimed to attract new volunteers by promoting the Union cause and offering various incentives, such as signing bonuses or promise of financial support for soldiers' families.
c. Propaganda: The Union used various forms of propaganda, including posters, pamphlets, and speeches, to boost recruitment. They highlighted the values of preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, and the rewards and benefits of joining the Union army.
2. South:
The Confederacy, or the South, faced greater challenges in recruiting troops due to its smaller population and limited resources. Nevertheless, they implemented several strategies:
a. Conscription: In 1862, the Confederate Congress passed the Conscription Act, similar to the Union's draft. It mandated military service for eligible white men between the ages of 18 and 35, with certain exemptions for specific occupations or medical conditions.
b. State Militias and Volunteers: The South relied heavily on state militias and volunteer units. These units were formed at the state or local level, often organized by prominent citizens or military leaders. They relied on a sense of regional pride, states' rights, and the defense of their homeland as motivations for recruitment.
c. Political Pressure: The Confederate government and local authorities exerted political pressure on individuals and communities to join the military. They emphasized the importance of defending the Southern way of life, including the preservation of slavery, states' rights, and independence from Northern aggression.
Both the North and the South faced challenges in recruiting troops as the war wore on. They employed a combination of force, incentives, propaganda, and appeals to patriotism and regional identity to maintain their fighting forces.