The Impact of the Civil War

Civil War Medicine

Martina visits the Caver Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War

While great advances took place in the technology of weapons, bullets, and cannon fire, medical advancements were slow but extremely important. At the beginning of the Civil War, medical equipment and knowledge could not properly heal bullet wounds, bacterial infections, or disease. In fact, most bullet wounds got treated by amputation, and surgeons did not even have the knowledge to sterilize their equipment. This resulted in infections that claimed lives of many injured soldiers.

A solider injured on the battlefield was often taken to a field hospital that consisted of a mobile tent where a surgeon performed amputations and dressed wounds. Some soldiers got transported by cart or train to larger makeshift hospitals located in buildings. These hospitals were generally overfilled and unsanitary.

As the war progressed, hospitals improved their sanitary conditions. Many even began keeping medical records. Surgeons became better at their craft as the knowledge of proper treatment spread. These improvements advanced the American medical practices.

Think of a time when you went to the doctor or had surgery. How would you feel if the doctor used unsterilized equipment on you, or the office was dirty? What are some potential negative consequences of this?