Uniforms in the Civil War

Imagine you are a Union soldier in the beginning of the civil war. You are at your first battle and you can hardly see anything with clouds of smoke and dust blocking your view. In your confusion you shoot at anyone that is dressed in the color of the confederate uniform. You end up killing three soldiers on your own side. This was a common situation in the beginning of the Civil War. Many inexperienced soldiers would fire on anyone who was wearing the enemy’s color and end up killing people on their own side because of the variety of uniform. Soldier’s uniforms in the beginning of the Civil war were greatly varied in styles and colors. Some were made in fancy design with bright colors while others were of simple design with plain colors. Scottish Highlands style units, in bonnets and kilts served alongside regiments clothed in the colorful French-style Zouave uniform. Lancers and Dragoons with steel helmets fought against soldiers outfitted in the Italian-style green dress of shar...