During the Civil War, many kinds of technology were changing at the same time. Some tools were new, while others were older inventions used in new ways. These changes appeared in weapons, travel, communication, medicine, and record keeping.
Soldiers' weapons differed from those used in earlier wars. Rifled muskets became more common, along with new bullets like the Minié ball. Some soldiers used repeating rifles that could fire several shots before reloading. Other weapons, such as the Gatling gun, were also introduced during the war. At sea, ironclad ships made of metal fought instead of wooden ships, and submarines were used for the first time.
Transportation and communication were also important areas of change. Railroads were used to move soldiers and supplies over long distances. Telegraph wires allowed messages to be sent quickly between cities, battlefields, and government offices. Hot air balloons were used to observe enemy positions from above.
Medical care also changed during the war. At first, the army had no clear system to care for wounded soldiers. Over time, ambulance units, field hospitals, and hospital trains and ships were created. Doctors also began collecting medical records and studying injuries.
Photography became part of the war as well. Photographers took pictures of soldiers, camps, and battlefields, creating visual records of the conflict.
All of these examples show the wide range of technologies that were developing during the Civil War.
