2. Rampant Disease and Poor Sanitation
For many Civil War soldiers, the true enemy was not the opposing army, but disease. Illnesses like dysentery, typhoid, and malaria swept through unsanitary camps, claiming more lives than bullets or bayonets ever did. Contaminated water, overcrowded tents, and a lack of proper latrines made staying healthy nearly impossible. As highlighted by the National Park Service, these unspeakable conditions left little hope for recovery, making the war’s toll even more devastating.
