Assignment task:
During the Civil War, one of the most significant technical advances was in the realm of medicine. During this period, anesthesia, antiseptics, and surgical procedures increased substantially. For example, the introduction of chloroform as an anesthetic allowed surgeons to conduct longer and more sophisticated procedures without causing discomfort to the patient. Furthermore, the introduction of antiseptics such as carbolic acid has lowered the incidence of illnesses and fatalities caused by wounds. The use of the telegraph to swiftly convey commands and information across large distances was another key advance during the Civil War. This facilitated strategic cooperation among military chiefs and accelerated troop mobility. Because of the quick communication, journalists were able to report on the conflict in near-real time, giving the public up-to-date information on fights and events. Railroads also played an important part in the Civil War. Railroads enabled armies to maneuver quickly across great distances by transporting men and supplies quickly and effectively. Railroads also aided in the transportation of prisoners of war and injured troops to hospitals and jails. Finally, because of the employment of espionage and military intelligence, the Civil War is widely recognized as the first modern conflict. Both sides' spies and scouts employed sophisticated techniques and technology, including coded communications and concealed cameras, to capture and communicate intelligence about opposing forces. This enabled military officials to make more informed judgments, which played a crucial role in the war's outcome. Overall, the Civil War was a watershed moment in American history. The technical advances and breakthroughs produced during this time period laid the groundwork for future battles and permanently altered the way wars were conducted.
Question: Which side benefitted the most from the railways during the war? Why did the other side not use railroads as much?