Why were the conditions for prisoners Andersonville make sure to discuss crowding disease and feed and water supply
The conditions at Andersonville Prison during the American Civil War were extremely harsh and can be attributed to several factors, including crowding, disease, and issues with food and water supply.
1. Crowding: Andersonville Prison was originally designed to hold around 10,000 prisoners, but at its peak, it held over 30,000 Union soldiers. The overcrowding was a result of the high number of captured soldiers during the war and the limited capacity of the military prison. The lack of space and inadequate infrastructure contributed to the deterioration of living conditions.
2. Disease: The overcrowding at Andersonville led to a rapid spread of diseases, especially due to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. The prison lacked proper sewage systems, and the only water supply available to the prisoners was a small creek (known as Stockade Creek) that quickly became contaminated. The combination of overcrowding, poor sanitation, and contaminated water created a breeding ground for diseases such as dysentery, scurvy, smallpox, and typhoid fever. The lack of medical facilities and resources further exacerbated the health crisis.
3. Food and Water Supply: The prisoners at Andersonville suffered from severe food and water shortages. The Confederate authorities responsible for the prison were ill-prepared to handle the large number of prisoners and struggled to provide adequate provisions. The prisoners received meager rations of cornmeal, sometimes mixed with ground peas or peanuts. The limited food supply was often spoiled or infested with insects, causing further health issues. Additionally, the creek water used by the prisoners for drinking and washing was contaminated and insufficient in quantity.
Overall, the conditions at Andersonville Prison were a result of overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, lack of proper medical care, and inadequate food and water supply. These factors led to a high mortality rate, with approximately 13,000 prisoners dying during its existence from February 1864 to April 1865. The inhumane conditions at Andersonville became a significant issue during the Civil War and were later investigated and documented by authorities.