answersLogoWhite

0

If the losing army did not manage to escape, they would be ordered to hand in their weapons ("Stack Arms!"), and then be transported to prison-camps, from where they might be exchanged for prisoners on the other side.

When Grant became General-in-Chief in March 1864, he stopped prisoner-exchange, knowing that the manpower balance would then be tilted against the Confederates, thus shortening the war.

It did - but at a terrible cost. For the prison camps became horrendously overcrowded, at a time when food supplies were running out for the armies and civilians alike. Naturally prisoners came last in line.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?