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American Civil War reenactment

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An American Civil War reenactment is an effort to recreate a particular battle or similar event associated with the American Civil War by hobbyists known (in the United States) as Civil War reenactors.

Contents

[edit] History

Reenacting began during the 1961-1965 Civil War centennial commemorations. These battles and events found a receptive audience, but public interest in reenactments faded by the late 1960's. Living history reenacting grew in the 1980's and 1990's, due to the popularity of the 125th Anniversary Battles series (1986-1990) and the 130th Anniversary Battles series (1991-1995). Recently many historic battles and events were re-created during the 140th Anniversary Battles series (2001-2005).

[edit] Participation

American Civil War reenactments have drawn a fairly sizable following of enthusiastic participants, aged often between 8 and 64, willing to brave the elements and expend money and resources in their efforts to duplicate the events down to the smallest recorded detail. Participants may even attend classes put on by event sponsors where they learn how to dress, cook, eat, and even "die" just as real Civil War soldiers would have. Most reenactment have anywhere from 100-1,000 participants, portraying either Union or Confederate infantry, artillery, or cavalry forces. To date the largest Civil War reenactment was 125th. Gettysburg (1988), which had over 25,000 reenactors and over 150,000 spectators attending.

Reasons given for participating in such activities vary. Some participants are interested in getting a historical perspective on the turbulent times that gripped the nation, particularly if they can trace their ancestry back to those who fought in the war. Others participate merely for the escapism that such events offer. Commentators have suggested, however, that some Southerners are drawn to these activities for political reasons, because they represent a rejection of the North. Often, however, this is a false stereotype. In fact, some are Northerners that may have been "sympathetic" to the Southerners, who are often outnumbered in Northern events. In some cases, if there are not enough Confederates present, Union soldiers are asked to change sides for the day/event.

Some people are interested in reenacting other historical events, such as Revolutionary War battles, but Civil War reenactment is by far the most popular activity in this area. However, when reenacting the American Civil War many users have an established inference that their modicum operandi must be based on historical particulars such as period correct documentation and other things.

A common word used in many hardcore reenactments is "farb". This word is used to describe someone who really ought to not be involved as their standards of authenticity are so low as to be silly.

[edit] Types of Civil War reenactments

There are four main categories of Civil War reenacments.

[edit] Living histories

Living histories are meant entirely for the education of the public. Such events do not necessarily have a mock battle but instead are aimed at portraying the life, and more importantly the lifestyle, of the average Civil War soldier. This does include civilian reenacting, a growing trend. Occasionally, a spy trial is recreated, too. More common are weapons demonstration, however.

[edit] Public demonstrations

Public demonstrations are smaller mock battles put on by reenacting organizations and/or private parties primarily to show the public how people in the 1860's lived, and to show the public civil war battles. The battles are often only loosely based on actual battles.

[edit] Tactical battles

Tactical battles are battles that are generally not open to the public. Tactical battles are fought like real battles with both sides coming up with strategies and tactics to beat their opponents. Since there is no script, the battle tends follow the same course an original battle might.

[edit] Scripted battles

Scripted battles are larger battles, and are usually fought either at the original battle ground, or at a place very similar to the original. In scripted battles, the battles are planned out beforehand so that the companies and regiments make the same actions that the were taken in the original battles. As growing numbers of reenactors begin to attend events, the tendency is toward scripted battles simply due to safety and logistics concerns as well as the enjoyment of the spectators and those involved.

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikivisual.com/index.php/American_Civil_War_reenactment"
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