The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Civil War Deaths Higher Than Thought

From the April 3, 2012, Philadelphia Inquirer by Peter Mucha.

The true death toll of the war was about 750,000, some 20% higher than the traditionally-quoted 620,000, and might even be as high as 850,000 according to J. David Hacker of Binghamton University in New York.  It was published in the December issue of Civil War History.

James McPherson, author, thought the 620,000 number might be too low, especially with the Confederacy's 260,000.

The older estimates determined the death rates from disease as about equal between Union and Confederate forces, but the North had better medical care.

Data from the 1870 census showed a big drop in the population.

Sad to have to Raise the Number.  --Old Secesh

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