Which weapons still used in U.S. warfare today were based on Civil War weapon inventions?
Good Evening, Kristi. Quite a question. Here we go: As the warfare became more modern during the Civil War, the need for ancient weapons such as the sword and bayonet shifted down in relative importance. The bayonet, a standard piece of equipment used during a charge, was rarely effective compared to firearms. As a result, swords and bayonets of this era became symbols of power and was embraced by the troops to an extent that far outweighed its practical value. The American Civil War has been called the last of the ancient wars and the first of the modern wars. It was a war that introduced the first metallic rifle and pistol cartridges, the first repeating rifles and carbines, the first ironclad ships, and many other inventions that derived change in warfare. Despite these innovations, the military still relied on the old tried and trusted means of smoothbore muskets, paper cartridges, and troops marching in military precision across the battlefield towards the enemy. Yet, more innovat
