German Americans in the American Civil War facts for kids

German-Americans played a huge part in the American Civil War. They were the largest group of immigrants fighting for the Union. Over 200,000 people born in Germany joined the Union Army. Another 250,000 German-Americans, whose parents were born in Germany, also served. Many came from states like New York, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

Thousands of German-Americans also fought for the Confederacy. Most lived in Louisiana and Texas. Other German families had moved to Virginia and the Carolinas much earlier.

German-Americans in the Union Army

About 516,000 Union soldiers were immigrants. This was nearly a quarter of all Union soldiers. Around 216,000 of these immigrants were born in Germany.

New York sent the most German-born soldiers, with 36,000. Wisconsin was next with 30,000, and Ohio followed with 20,000.

German-American Army Units

Many army units were made up entirely of German-Americans. Examples include the 52nd New York and the 9th Ohio. Other units were the 74th Pennsylvania and the 32nd Indiana. The 107th Ohio and 9th Wisconsin also had many German soldiers.

Big recruiting efforts happened in cities like Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. Other Union soldiers often called German-American units "Dutchmen." Confederates sometimes called them "lop-eared Dutch."

German-American units were known for being very disciplined. Some soldiers had fought in European armies before. This experience was very helpful to the Union Army.

Important German-American Commanders

Officer Corps, 20th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment (the Turner Rifles)

Major General Franz Sigel was a very popular Union commander. He was born in Germany. He was the highest-ranking German-American officer in the Union Army. Many Germans joined the army to "fight mit Sigel."

President Abraham Lincoln chose Sigel for his high rank. Lincoln hoped Sigel's popularity would help get votes from German-Americans. Sigel was part of the Forty-Eighters. These were revolutionaries from German states. When their revolution failed, many moved to the United States.

Other future Civil War officers were also Forty-Eighters. These included Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz and Brig. Gen. August Willich. Others were Louis Blenker, Max Weber, and Alexander Schimmelfennig.

Carl Schurz was part of a group called the Turners. This group helped Lincoln get elected President in 1860. The Turners even guarded Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861. They also served as a guard at Lincoln's funeral in 1865.

Other important German generals included Peter Osterhaus and Edward S. Salomon. Also, Frederick Salomon, August Kautz, and Felix Salm-Salm were notable. Hundreds of German-born officers led regiments during the war.

These leaders included Col. Gustav Tafel and Col. Paul A. Frank. Also, Col. Friedrich Hecker and Col. Leopold von Gilsa were important. Maj. Jurgen Wilson also led troops. Capt. Hubert Dilger was one of the best Union artillerists. He was born in Germany and trained at a military academy.

Another famous German American was Maj. Gen. George Armstrong Custer. He was not an immigrant. He fought at Gettysburg. He later died in the Battle of Little Big Horn during the Indian Wars.

Medal of Honor Recipients

Many German immigrants received the Medal of Honor. This award is given for extreme bravery during war. Here are some of them:

German-Americans in the Confederate Army

The Confederacy had generals born in other countries. But only one German-born soldier became a general in the Confederate Army. This was General John A. Wagener from South Carolina.

Colonel Adolphus Heiman was born in Prussia. He fought in the Mexican–American War. He led the 10th Tennessee Infantry. Colonel Augustus Buchel was from Hesse. He commanded the 1st Texas Cavalry. They were likely the next highest-ranking German-Confederates.

Lt. Col. Heros von Borcke is the most famous German officer in the Confederacy. He served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Jeb Stuart. Von Borcke was a Prussian cavalry officer. He managed to get past the Union blockade into Charleston Harbor. He became a close friend and chief of staff to General Stuart. In 1866, he went back to Prussia to fight in another war.

German immigrant Simon Baruch was a Confederate army surgeon for three years. After the war, he became a famous doctor in New York City. His son, Bernard Baruch, became a well-known advisor to Presidents.

Important Events with German-Americans

The Camp Jackson Affair

In Missouri, which was neutral at the time, an event happened on May 9, 1861. Union Captain Nathaniel Lyon wanted to know what the Missouri State Guard was planning at Camp Jackson. He went undercover, dressed as a woman, to find out.

Captain Lyon found hidden crates with large guns. These guns were meant to attack the Missouri arsenal. Confederate President Jefferson Davis had sent them. On May 10, 1861, Lyon marched many pro-Southern prisoners through St. Louis. These men had been captured by German volunteers. The volunteers stopped them from taking the Federal arsenal.

German-American Union soldiers guarded the prisoners. Many people in St. Louis did not like these soldiers. They did not agree with their views against slavery and secession. Many St. Louis residents had moved from Southern states. They had sympathies for the South.

The Nueces Massacre

In the spring of 1862, German Texans lived in Central Texas. Many of them wanted to stay neutral or support the Union. But they were forced to join the Confederate Army. They strongly objected to this.

Confederate leaders saw their refusal as rebellion. They sent troops to deal with them. On August 10, 1862, a violent fight happened in Kinney County, Texas. Thirty-four German Texans were killed. They were trying to escape to Mexico to avoid being drafted.