Sunday, April 15, 2007

The Civil War and Civil War Collectibles

The Civil War still has a fascination for a large number of Americans, largely due to the conflict not only being the largest to take place on American soil, but also the only one that pitched cousin against cousin, and in some cases brother against brother.

The popularity of Civil War collectibles is just one indication of this fascination for a very unique and significant part of American history. This one conflict caused more deaths per head of population than any country suffered during World War I, although the vast majority of deaths, estimated at more than one third, were due to disease.

Disease was not yet understood at that point it history, and little knowledge was available on what caused it or how to prevent or control it. The most common diseases were typhoid, pneumonia, dysentery and tuberculosis, though other highly infectious diseases were also rampant. This was due to people, especially young men who had been isolated from large communities, coming into contact with so many others. Diseases such as measles, mumps and chickenpox were common, and these were not so much the direct cause of fatalities, but weakened those who contracted them and reduced their ability to fight.

The aftermath of the Civil War was significant, not only with respect to freedom from slavery, but also in its economic significance to the Southern states. Destruction was widespread, and the loss of so much of the youth of a relatively small area had profound effects on its ability to recover. The social consequences of the freedom of slaves were also significant, and it is little wonder that this relatively modern period in American history fascinates so many.

You can learn more about this fascinating time in history by visiting The Historical Weapons Store. There you will find more articles on the life and history of people in the Civil War, as well as a variety of collectibles to commemorate this event, such as Union bugles, Confederate buttons and officers slouch hats.

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