How old did you have to be to be in the civil war?

Answer 1

I believe that in both armies soldiers had to be 17 years old but that requirement was often evaded. I think that musicians and drummer boys could be as young as 12, I'm much less certain of that though. Michael Montagne According to the illustrious history, Gone with the Wind, (please note sarcasm) the official age of a drummer boy in the south was fourteen, though apparently, boys often lied in order to participate in the war. At the outset of the war, northern troops were required to be over the age of 18. However, there were loopholes. One,the position of cabin boy or 'powder monkey' allowed boys to join the navy at twelve. Also, drummer boys and fifes were a popular position in the army for the downy cheeked. Note the famous nine year-old runaway drummer boy of Shiloh (from Ohio), who stayed in the army - to become Major General years and years later. Think his name was Johnny Clem or something. Answer Generally one as an actual soldier and combatant one was suspose to be at least 18 years of age. This was a given standard on both sides. Non-combatants such as musicians, buglers etc, were given some leeway down to about 14 years old at least. In the early period of the war many did get in as young as 13 or so in the ranks. In May of 1862 the Confederate armies were reorganized.. and those under 18 or over 35 were basicly sent home... At this early time of the war the Southern ranks were well filled. Later when they begain to thin and conscription was enacted, the age range was extended to between 17-45.. Those younger or older (exempt from draft/conscription) could still serve in the local home guards or state militias..

Answer 2

To become a soldier in the civil war you must be the age of eighteen. Back in the 1860's you didn't have any birth certificates for proof so a lot of minors went in the war. ---- You actually had to be about sixteen, if you were in the Confederacy. IF you were in the UNion you had to be 18. Until then, you could be a drummer boy. The youngest boy soldier in the Civil War was thought to be 10. He is thought a soldier because during his drumming duties he picked up a rifle and shot it and killed a man. ~Minicooper Out!

Answer 3

15 years old is the minimum age on all military recruits around the world however in countries such as Australia, the USA, Britain etc. have a higher age limit. The age a person needs to be to fight in a war is 19 years old.

Answer 4

depends on what side you look at as both had different draft points.

northern was about 17 up to up there was no cut off really as they took any one that could shoot or cook for the army.

for the south they would take in any and all they went as far as taken in 13 years olds in some case but rule of thumb was 16 and up again no cut off really on how old .

Answer 5

16 or 17, but some as young as 8 or 9 joined as drummers or powder monkeys.

No, really. You had to be 16 to fight for the Confederacy and 18 to fight for the Union. You could be a drummer boy until then. The youngest solider was 10 because he got rid of his drum and picked up a rifle and shot and killed a man.

Answer 6

Both sides were so desperate for soldiers, they'd take anyone, young and old alike. There was a graybeard Regiment formed, made up of men 45 and older (old for that time)

Answer 7

There is a age limit and a limit to go to war and its 85 and who ever is enabled.

Answer 8

between 18 and 35

Answer 9

17-50