Bushwhacker facts for kids
Bushwhacking was a type of fighting where small groups of people attacked by surprise. This is also known as guerrilla warfare. It often happened in wild areas where there were not many government controls.
This kind of fighting was very common during the American Civil War. In the Civil War, people in rural areas often disagreed. Some supported the Union, and others supported the Confederacy. The fighters who did these surprise attacks were called bushwhackers.
Today, the word "bushwhacking" is still used. It describes any surprise attack. These attacks are often meant to wear down an enemy over time.
Contents
What Was Bushwhacking?
Bushwhacking was a way of fighting without big armies. Instead, small groups of fighters would hide. They would wait in forests or thick bushes. Then, they would suddenly attack their enemies. This was a very dangerous way to fight.
Why Did Bushwhacking Happen?
This type of fighting was common in places with lots of wilderness. These areas often had few soldiers or police. During the American Revolutionary War, it was used against British forces. Later, in the American Civil War, it became very common.
In the Civil War, many communities were divided. Neighbors might support different sides. This led to local conflicts. Bushwhackers often knew the land very well. They used this knowledge to their advantage. They could strike quickly and then disappear.
Bushwhackers in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, bushwhacking was a big problem. It happened a lot in states like Missouri and Kansas. These areas were known as the "border states." People there had strong feelings for either the Union or the Confederacy.
Bushwhackers were not always regular soldiers. They were often local citizens. They fought for their beliefs or to protect their homes. Sometimes, they were very violent. They caused a lot of fear and destruction. Famous bushwhackers included William Quantrill and Bloody Bill Anderson. These groups often targeted supply lines or small groups of enemy soldiers.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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John Nichols, a bushwhacker who operated in Johnson and Pettis Counties in 1862–1863, prior to his execution in Jefferson City, Missouri, October 30, 1863
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George C. Bingham's painting, "Order No. 11", 1868. This painting shows the harsh effects of the war on civilians.
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Thomas C. Lea III depicted the devastation brought down upon the Missouri countryside by the Civil War.
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Jesse James, approx. 16 years of age, who rode with Bloody Bill Anderson's bushwhackers.
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