What were some similarities and differences between the confederate and union soldiers?

Answer 1

The war would demonstrate that the differences between the soldiers of the two armies were remarkable:

- The Federals were more persevering, more observant of discipline, more fit to endure the good and bad luck, without being carried away or getting disheartened; more orderly, more averse from

Individualism, more compliant with the rules, able to accept sacrifices, pains and hardship, without

yielding for days, weeks and months.

- The Confederates were instead more reluctant to get disciplined; more untidy and picturesque;

richer of fierce personalities; averse from anything which would means uniformity and blind obedience. They were easier to become elated and get discouraged; maybe hostile to routine, intolerant of rules and restrictions, but ready to make overwhelming dashes to the enemy, to demonstrate sublime heroism. Furthermore, when the situation demanded it, they imposed to themselves indescribable sacrifices on their own free will.

If we can make a comparison with the two largest European armies of the time, aside from the fact that the contenders in America were free citizens and not subjects and/or mercenaries of conservative monarchies, we would say that the Confederate Army was more similar to the French Army and that of the Union to the Prussian Army.