Photography
Photography began to be used widely during the Civil War. Photographers took pictures of battlefields, soldiers, camps, and other views.
The only thing missing are images taken in battle. The technology of the time required that everyone be still and not moving, so taking a photograph of battle was not an option. However some of these scenes, especially the ones taken of dead bodies after battles, show the horror of war.
Another popular form of photography during the war was small photographs of individual soldiers or groups of soldiers. Soldiers would then have an image of themselves in uniform to send back home to loved ones. A type of postcard, typically of generals or political leaders, were often sold commercially.
An Explanation of Photography during the Civil War
Picture Credits:
- Carte-de-viste (photograph) of a Union soldier taken in Nashville by T.M. Schleier. During the Civil War, soldiers often had photographs taken of themselves in uniform to send home to their families. Tennessee State Museum Collection, 2003.62.17
- Photograph of dead Union and Confederate soldiers on the battlefield at Gettysburg, PA, July 1863. Photographer: Timothy O’Sullivan. Library of Congress
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