Recruit

• A soldier who has just signed up to be a soldier and is without battle experience.

Rifled Musket
The standard infantry weapon used during the Civil War. Usually .58 or .577 caliber, the “rifle” fired a Minnie ball through a spiral grooved barrel, spinning the bullet for more velocity and accuracy.

Salt Pork

• The most common meal ration during the war, along with hardtack and coffee. The pork was salted to preserve it.

Secede

• To withdraw from the Union, as 11 Southern states did in 1860-1861.during the war, Southerners were frequently called “secesh” by Northerners.

Strategy
The standard infantry weapon used during the Civil War. Usually .58 or .577 caliber, the “rifle” fired a Minnie ball through a spiral grooved barrel, spinning the bullet for more velocity and accuracy.

Sutler
Dry goods salesmen who traveled with the Northern armies. Considered necessary for the provision of extra items for the soldiers, sulters often cheater and overcharge military customers.

Tactics

• The art of manoeuvring troops on a battlefield.

Torpedo

• Civil War term for an underwater mine that exploded. Used on rivers to defend against enemy ships.

Turning movement

• A military tactic. Sanding troops around the enemy’s flank (side) to attack his line of communications in the rear of his battle line.

Union
The collection of 23 Northern states which fought the rebellious confederacy during the Civil War. Also called the United States of America.

Yank or The Blue, Federales, or Billy Yank

• Term for soldier who fought for the Union.

Zouave

• Soldiers in colourful uniforms patterned after French infantry soldiers, and who specialised in precision drilling.