History Commons^™

"Young Bloods Of The South:" The Confederate Use And Efficacy Of Irregular Warfare In The American Civil War, Lucas Allamon

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

During the American Civil War, a number of southern irregulars operated behind Union lines. Though often neglected by historians, many of these irregulars proved effective. This study evaluates the different types of irregular combatant found in the South, including guerrillas, partisan rangers, and cavalry raiders, who varied in their identity, legality, and operations. The effectiveness of these fighters is analyzed in terms of their propaganda value, their ability to divert enemy troops, and the defeat of offensives by attacking supply lines. Though the Union attempted to counter these irregular forces, the greatest impediment towards the Confederate irregular war effort was …