Hardships of the Civil War

Hardtack Hardtack was a staple item for soldiers and

militiamen. Hard, thin bread like a big cracker. Usually filled with weevils or maggots leading

to the name “wormcastles.” http://home.earthlink.net/~poetry61-65/union/songs/

hardtack.html

Pink and Say Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco Listen to and discover the hardships

experienced by two young boys caught up in the devastating effects of the Civil War.

What Did We Learn?

Imagine that you are Pink. Justify your decision to fight for the Union in the Civil War.

Do you think meeting Pink gave Say a different perspective on fighting in the Civil War? Explain your reasoning.

Give your opinion about the emotions Pink and Say might have felt when they were torn apart at Andersonville.

TALENTS Communication-1

Give many, varied single words to describe Pink. To describe Say.

Hardships of the War Both Union and Confederate soldiers

experienced hardships as a result of the Civil War.

Poor medical conditions Constant battle with lice

Living Quarters Soldiers often slept in dog or pup tents Often pillowcases were burlap sacks that also

carried around soldiers’ possessions. When the weather was wet, tents sometimes

leaked or got moldy.

Shebangs

Centreville, Va. Confederate winter quartersPhotograph from the main eastern theater of war, Confederate winter quarters, 1861-1862.CREATED/PUBLISHED: 1862 March REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-B8171-0332

Shebangs Some confederate soldiers slept in these 4 to

6 man huts. Many soldiers became attached to their

shebangs and would name them like hotels. Some examples are Hawkin’s Happy Family,

Fifth Avenue Hotel, Old Abe’s Abundance, or Chateau de Salt Junk

Uniforms Each soldier had two uniforms worn in all

kinds of weather and if they were lucky had them washed monthly (if they were lucky).

Long underwear was worn while the soldiers were marching to prevent chafing.

Soldiers gave nicknames to shoes, which they called gunboats.

Letters Letters from home were critical to the morale

of the soldiers. Families of soldiers treasured the

correspondences they received from relatives fighting far away.

Closing Thought The effects of the war were devastating for

both soldiers and those left at home. http://homepage.floodcity.net/users/

mastdog/states.html

Civil War Resources

The Civil War | PBS