How many American soldiers 18 or younger died in the American Civil War?

Answer 1

The American Civil War was fought by boys. An account published in the Marion, Indiana Chronicle lists 2,778,304 men enlisted in the Union Army of which 25 were 10 years and younger. These are boys without family or the sons of men who could not leave them behind. 38 of these were 11 years. These were boys from broken homes or orphanages who had just outgrown their welcome. 225 were 12 years old. These could have been homeless boys or ones that were unable to find a job. You have to remember that in the time of the Civil War, societies were still groping for territory. 309 were 13 years old. These were young men of families that had become bored with living at home and yearned for adventure. 1,525 were14 years old. These were generally boys who were smart but did not feel the need to further their education. 104,987 were 15 years old. These boys joined the army early and often. 321,051 were 16 years old. You have to remember that in those days boys of this age were considered men. With the influx of these the union army became an army. 844,391 were 17 years old. As in all societies, there are some men who exhibit leadership qualities. These were them. 1,151,428 were 18 years old. These men, being a year older were more mature and therefore susceptible to structure. 2,159,798 were 18 to 22 years old. It was of these men that the bulk of the infantry was taken. A common trait among these men was that they would never shirk their duty. 618,511 were 22 to 26 years old. These men were the corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, captains and sometimes generals. From here we jump to 46,462, the number of men from 26 to 45 years old. These men filled all the ranks, giving aid and instruction to the green kids in the field. Lastly, 16,971 were more than 46 years. Again, you have to remember that age reverence in these years was a practice. These men were peppered through the ranks and generally became officers, though not all.