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History: The American Civil War: War Statistics

A research guide giving an overview of the American Civil War for general knowledge.

Overview

There were over 3 million men that fought in the Civil War with a combined death toll estimated to be around 620,000 men. The American Civil War is the deadliest war in American history with more causalities than World War 1 and World War 2 combined. The Highest Ranking officer killed in action was General (Full General) Albert Sidney Johnston at the Battle of Shiloh. More soldiers died to disease than were killed in action which illustrates the dangers a soldier faced during this time period.

Total Casualties

The 483,026 total Confederate casualties have been divided accordingly:

  • 94,000 killed in battle
  • 164,000 died to diseases
  • 194,026 wounded in action
  • 31,000 prisoners of war

Numbers taken from National Park Service: Civil War Facts.

Total Military Strength

The total amount of military personnel for the Confederate armies and navies over the course of the war was between 750,000 and 1,227,890 personnel. Since records were destroyed there is not a definitive number for the personnel involved for the Confederacy. With the armies being the strongest in 1863 with around 300,000 personnel, this number includes volunteers, conscripts, and professional military personnel. Some volunteers and conscripts served short military stints, 90 day and 3 year obligations are two examples.

Total Casualties

The 642,427 total Union casualties have been divided accordingly:

  • 110,100 killed in battle
  • 224,580 died to diseases
  • 275,174 wounded in action
  • 30,192 prisoners of war

Numbers taken from National Park Service: Civil War Facts

Total Military Strength

The total amount of military personnel for the Union armies and navies over the course of the war was 2,672,341 personnel. With the armies being the strongest in 1863 with around 600,000 personnel this number, stayed consistent through the end of the war. This number includes volunteers, conscripts, and professional military personnel. Some volunteers and conscripts served short military stints 90 day and 3 year obligations are two examples.