At least 56 separate facilities in Washington, D.C., were used as hospitals at some time over the course of the Civil War. One of those hospitals was Finley Hospital, which operated from 1862 to 1865. This photograph of the stables at Finley Hospital includes a non-commissioned officer. It was taken, most likely as part of a series, by Washington, D.C. photographers William Morris Smith and Samuel Mills. During the latter part of the war, Mills enlisted in the Union Army as a hospital steward. Known as Camp Sprague during its first month, Finley general hospital was located in wooden barracks. It was originally the regimental camp of the First Rhode Island Cavalry. When Walt Whitman arrived in the city in December 1862 to help with the war wounded, he was amazed and overcome by the massive hospital system. “That little town, as you might suppose it, off there on the brow of a hill, is indeed a town, but of wounds, sickness, and death. It is Finley Hospital, northeast of the city, on Kendall Green, as it used to be call’d. That other is Campbell Hospital. Both are large establishments. I have known these two alone to have from two thousand to twenty-five hundred inmates.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of military history?
In the past few years, we've witnessed an unprecedented rise in the number of conflicts across the globe. There seems to be an inordinate number of countries involved in armed conflict, from Syria to Ukraine to Libya to Iraq. But why do these wars continue to break out? Why are we still experiencing war after another war? Is it possible that humans can live peacefully together in such close quarters.
Our collective memory holds the answer. Although we may not be aware of it, when we reflect on the events in the 20th century, violence between nations is all too common. We live in an era of great change.
World War II ended 70-years ago. However, it occurred during a period that saw rapid technological advancements (including the development of an atomic bomb) which resulted in the creation of a global market. This economic system was a catalyst for the "globalization" movement, which is a worldwide political movement.
It is easy to forget all the progress we have made since 1945, as globalization continues. The world is increasingly interconnected; global trade now accounts for 40% of global gross domestic product; most Americans rely on foreign goods to support their day-to-day lives.
Despite the great changes brought about through globalization, humanity struggles with a fundamental problem: conflicts cannot be avoided. While it is understandable to desire peace and prosperity in all countries, it can also be unrealistic. As long as human beings exist, they will always seek power and wealth.
This is exactly why we need to learn from the mistakes made in the past. We must identify the root causes of our conflicts if we want to avoid them in the future.
Understanding the history behind war is key to developing strategies to prevent future conflict. Let's take a look at World War II. Was there a cause for it? How did it start? And what were the main causes?
What is the difference in a war and revolution?
When you go to war with another country or people, it is called a war. You fight them until either side wins or loses.
A revolution is when your lifestyle changes. You overthrow the government and begin anew with new laws.
It isn't always easy to distinguish these two things.
Sometimes they can appear similar. For instance, the French Revolution started as a war against the king but became a revolution after the king was killed.
The United States waged war against the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This communist group was eventually defeated.
Before becoming a democracy today, the United States had to go through many changes.
Who founded the United States military?
The Revolutionary War, in the United States, began in 1775 after colonists revolted against British rule. Though there had been previous conflicts between Britain and its colonies, the American Revolution marked the beginning of an entirely new war for independence.
The Americans fought for liberty and freedom from tyranny. George Washington, a former British General, led the cause. He rallied his troops in New York City and won the Battle of Long Island, effectively ending the fighting in North America.
The British fought in Europe for a while and finally defeated the Continental Army during the Siege Of Boston in 1776. The United States was established as a nation in the year that followed.
In 1783, the Treaty of Paris officially recognized the United State's status as an independent country. The Revolutionary War was also officially ended by this treaty.
The Revolutionary War ended but tensions between the countries remained high. They were both at war but faced the threat to invade even though they weren't officially at it.
After the Revolutionary War, the United States emerged as one of the largest economies in the world. However, the fledgling government lacked a strong central authority. Instead, states competed to control land and other resources.
To help solve this issue, the U.S. Constitution was drafted. The document gave federal powers and certain rights to the executive, as well as giving them federal powers. The document also created the Supreme Court, which would be the ultimate arbiter in constitutional disputes.
These important reforms were not enough to prevent the first major conflict in the United States from erupting less than ten year after the Constitution was ratified. In 1812 President James Madison signed the War of 1812.
The United States faced severe economic problems at the War of 1812. Many believed that neither the Senate nor the presidency were controlled by the Federalist Party. They feared that their concerns might be ignored and that the administration might attempt to ignore them.
The War of 1812 began because the United States wanted protection from Napoleon Bonaparte's further attacks. The French emperor invaded Spain.
The United States declared war on April 19, 1812. The nation's territorial defense was the goal. The war lasted for a total of three years, ending in February 1815. In Ghent, Belgium, peace negotiations began.
Despite having more soldiers, the U.S. was defeated in the War of 1812. However, the war helped to establish the U.S. Navy as well as strengthened ties between Northern and Southern States.
Statistics
- Of military historians, 0% are Socialist, 8% are Other, 35% are Liberal, and 18% are (en.wikipedia.org)
- Of all services, the U.S. Army has paid the heaviest price since 911, with almost 42,000 active, guard, and reserve soldiers killed or wounded while serving overseas, according to Department of Defense figures. (militaryhistoryonline.com)
External Links
web.archive.org
- Documenting Shock and Awe - Researching Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
- HELLAS:NET - Warfare
usacac.army.mil
history.army.mil
How To
What are some of the most famous battles that involved the U.S. armed forces?
Nothing can create an adrenaline rush like a war. It gives us a sense of urgency and danger, which makes us feel alive.
This is the most common way to infuse these feelings. This creates an ambiguity where we identify with one side or the other.
There are also wars fought inside our country. These are sometimes more difficult because there is not a clear-cut opponent. They still yield similar results.
Both sides had a strong desire to preserve the Union in the Civil War. In World War II the Allies wanted Nazi Germany defeated, while the Axis Powers wished to preserve the peace and prevent another world war.
These internal conflicts can be difficult to explain. Let's now look at some examples external conflicts.
The Battle of Bull Run (1861), pitted General George McClellan versus Confederate General Robert E Lee.
Lee won the battle, but lost his position as commander of Army of Northern Virginia.
There was also the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863), when General William Rosecrans attempted to stop the advance of General Joseph Hooker's army toward Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Hooker was unsuccessful in achieving his objective but he did capture Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Another example is the Battle of Little Big Horn, which took place in June 1876. Generals Sitting Bull and Custer engaged in a three-day battle. It ended in the deaths more than 300 Native American war veterans and many soldiers from both sides.
Finally, the Vietnam War may be the best-known battle involving the U.S military. 1975 saw the invasion of South Vietnam by the North Vietnamese Army. Their main goal was to take control of Saigon.
This was a major turning point in the history of Southeast Asia. In 1978, the United States had already withdrawn all its troops. The South Vietnamese government replaced them.
This war was among the first modern wars that received widespread media attention. This war is still one the bloodiest.
Around 58,000 people were killed in the Vietnam War. This number is nearly twice that of all those killed during the Revolutionary War.
